President Donald Trump has chosen Stephen Miller, a leading architect of his immigration crackdown, to replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, handing a longtime loyalist broader authority as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress.
Trump announced the appointment on Friday saying Miller would begin work in the role on November 9. Wiles will move to the president’s political operation, according to Trump’s announcement. The change follows Republican losses in both the House and Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections. The new Democratic majorities take office in January, giving the opposition control of congressional committees and greater influence over legislation and federal spending.
As chief of staff, Miller will manage White House operations, coordinate the president’s agenda and help control access to Trump. His appointment moves him from a powerful policy position into the administration’s central management role.
Susie Wiles leaves after nearly two years
Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, submitted her resignation Thursday night, according to reporting by the Associated Press and ABC News. She confirmed that Friday was her last day in the job.
ABC News reported, citing unnamed sources, that Trump had privately blamed Wiles for the midterm losses. Trump publicly denied that the election results prompted the change.
“Not because of the election. It’s just time,” he told reporters Friday.
Wiles thanked Trump and said she remained committed to his political agenda. “While my role may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will,” she wrote on social media. Her tenure provided greater continuity than Trump’s first administration, when he cycled through four chiefs of staff, beginning with Greek American Reince Priebus.
Stephen Miller brings a hard-line policy record
Miller joined Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign as a speechwriter and became one of his most influential advisers. He returned as a senior figure in the administration assembled after the 2024 election, serving as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. His work has placed him at the center of the administration’s immigration restrictions and efforts to expand deportations. His responsibilities have also extended to changes in the federal workforce and the administration’s disputes with universities and diversity programs.
Trump described Miller as “one of my most trusted advisors” in announcing the promotion. Miller said he was honored by the appointment and thanked Wiles for her service and friendship.
Democrats prepare scrutiny of the administration
Miller’s promotion comes as congressional Democrats prepare investigations into Trump’s administration once they assume their majorities.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said the party intended to investigate Miller’s immigration policies, Reuters reported.
The leadership change will also shape the White House’s dealings with Congress. Democratic control of both chambers will make it harder for Trump to advance legislation without opposition support, while his administration will face closer scrutiny of its use of executive power. Trump has said he is willing to discuss legislation with Democrats, while emphasizing that he can veto measures he opposes. The incoming Congress convenes on January 3, 2027.
Rubio rejects reports of a departure
The chief-of-staff change follows separate speculation about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s future. Rubio has denied reports that he plans to resign, telling The New York Times that he intends to remain through the end of Trump’s term.
Rubio also welcomed Miller’s promotion in a statement highlighted by the White House on Friday. He thanked Wiles for her service and said he looked forward to continuing to work with Miller to advance the president’s agenda.
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