Trump names immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday, 6 November, that Stephen Miller, one of the key architects of his hardline immigration policy, will become White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. The decision comes only days after the Republican Party suffered a major defeat in the midterm elections for the US Congress, and it reshapes the president's inner circle at a politically sensitive moment.

Miller, 41, has been deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser. He will take up the new post on Monday, 9 November. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, calling Miller one of his most trusted advisers.

Wiles's next role

Wiles, 69, was the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. She will move to Trump's political operation. The president described her performance as outstanding, while Wiles confirmed her departure in a statement on X, calling her service “the honor of a lifetime”. She pointed to the administration's record on border security, tax cuts and economic policy.

Miller's influence

Miller has been among Trump's closest advisers for more than a decade, since his first presidential campaign in 2016. He has played a central role in shaping the administration's restrictive immigration policies, including the push for mass deportations during Trump's second term.

The appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of the administration's immigration operations. In January, immigration agents fatally shot two protesters in Minneapolis, which triggered widespread demonstrations and criticism of federal enforcement tactics.

Political backdrop

In the midterms, Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The result is a significant political setback for Trump and is likely to increase scrutiny of his domestic agenda.

Wiles had been widely seen as an important organisational force in Trump's inner circle, helping manage competing interests and keep discipline in the White House. There had been weeks of speculation about personnel changes, although the administration had earlier rejected reports that she was about to be replaced.