In brief
President Donald Trump confirmed Stephen Miller as chief of staff on Friday, replacing Susie Wiles. Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration agenda, faces scrutiny from Democrats who allege white‑nationalist rhetoric. Congressional leaders are preparing to investigate his tenure as the Democratic Party gains control of Congress.
On Friday, President Donald Trump formally named longtime adviser Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, a move confirmed by Al Jazeera. Miller will take over the post from Susie Wiles starting Monday, according to the outlet.
Trump’s tweet on Truth Social earlier that day praised Miller as “one of my most trusted advisors,” underscoring the president’s confidence in the hard‑line former policy architect. The post arrived as the Republican Party faces a bruising defeat in the midterm elections and Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January.
Miller’s tenure in Washington began as a legislative aide to Republican senators, most notably Jeff Sessions, before joining Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign in January. He has long been credited with shaping the administration’s immigration agenda, including the 2017 travel ban and the controversial “Zero Tolerance” deportation program.
Al Jazeera notes that Miller’s reputation predates Trump, citing his opposition to liberal school policies while at Santa Monica High and his leadership of the Duke Conservative Union. Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly accused Miller of perpetuating white‑nationalist rhetoric, a claim that has fueled calls for investigations now that the Democratic majority will convene in Washington.
One of my most trusted advisors, I will take him over the role from Susie Wiles on Monday.
Steve Bannon told The Associated Press in 2017 that “I think he and Trump hit it off from the very beginning,” adding that Miller helped Trump find his voice.
In the wake of the announcement, Democratic leadership has warned that Miller’s influence on policy could prompt a federal investigation. Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on Capitol Hill that the committee would review Miller’s tenure and any actions that may violate U.S. law. Republican Senate leaders, however, have pledged to defend Miller’s record.
