US President Donald Trump has appointed his longtime adviser and immigration policy architect, Stephen Miller, as his new White House Chief of Staff, in a move seen as a firm response to the Republican Party’s poor performance in the recent midterm elections.
Miller, 41, will succeed Susie Wiles, who is leaving the position after becoming the first major casualty of the Democrats’ sweeping electoral victory earlier this week.
Trump announced the appointment on Friday, describing Miller as one of his most trusted advisers. He also commended Wiles for her service, saying she would move to his political operation.
Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump said the decision was part of a necessary leadership change.
“I wanted to make a change,” he said, adding that sometimes difficult decisions had to be made.
The appointment marks a significant shift in the administration’s leadership, particularly as Miller is widely associated with Trump’s strict immigration agenda and mass deportation programme.
As deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, Miller played a central role in developing and implementing the administration’s immigration policies during Trump’s second term.
His appointment has, however, attracted strong criticism from Democratic leaders, who have accused him of promoting harsh and inhumane immigration measures.
The criticism intensified following the fatal shootings of two protesters by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January, which triggered widespread demonstrations and renewed scrutiny of the administration’s enforcement operations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the decision, describing Miller as the architect of what he called the administration’s most inhumane policies.
He also vowed that Democrats would oppose his leadership.
“Our Democratic majorities will fight him every step of the way,” Schumer wrote on X.
Miller has remained one of Trump’s closest and most influential political allies for years, championing nationalist policies that align with the president’s America First agenda.
Meanwhile, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described Miller as a longtime member of Trump’s inner circle, saying his experience and loyalty would help the administration pursue its objectives during the remainder of the president’s second term.
Wiles, 69, who made history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff, announced that Friday would be her final day in the role.
In a farewell statement, she described serving in the White House as the honour of a lifetime and expressed pride in the administration’s achievements, particularly on border security, tax cuts and economic policies.
Her departure comes after months of speculation about possible changes within the administration following the Republican Party’s disappointing midterm results. Trump had previously dismissed suggestions that he would replace her, insisting there was no possibility of such a move.
Wiles had been credited with maintaining discipline within the White House and limiting the internal disputes and frequent personnel changes that characterised Trump’s first administration.
She also recently disclosed that she had received medical clearance following breast cancer treatment.
Despite the political backlash surrounding Miller’s appointment, prominent figures within Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have welcomed the decision.
Right-wing journalist Jack Posobiec celebrated the announcement on social media with the phrase, “It’s Miller Time,” a reference to a popular American beer slogan.
