Trump Names Stephen Miller White House Chief of Staff, Replacing Susie Wiles After Midterm Losses

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday named his close aide Stephen Miller as the new White House Chief of Staff, replacing Susie Wiles in a major reshuffle that comes days after the Republican Party suffered heavy defeats in the midterm elections.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Miller, currently Deputy Chief of Staff and one of his most trusted advisers, would assume the role starting Monday, November 9, 2026. Wiles, who made history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff, will continue working for the President on political operations, with reports indicating she will move to MAGA Inc., Trump’s political operation.

Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump said Miller had been with him “since the beginning” and understood his agenda.

In a statement on X, Wiles said she was proud of what the administration had achieved together, citing border security, tax cuts and economic growth, and affirmed that her commitment to the President and his mission remained unchanged despite her new role.

Miller, who also serves as an adviser on homeland security, has been a central figure in Trump’s circle since 2016 and is widely regarded as the architect of many of the administration’s hard-line immigration policies. He has also been involved in advising on military operations in the Middle East. Known as a combative speechwriter and strategist, he is expected to wield even greater influence over the President’s schedule and decision-making in his new position.

Wiles, who led Trump’s campaign efforts in Florida and served as Chief of Staff since the start of his second term, earned a reputation as a disciplined manager credited with reducing the staff turnover and press leaks that marked Trump’s first term.

The appointment follows a midterm election in which Democrats swept to power in Congress, with data suggesting that Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement was among the factors influencing voters.

Democratic leaders sharply criticised the decision. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, widely expected to become the next Speaker, called Miller a dangerous extremist and urged that he be removed, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the move showed Trump had learned nothing from his electoral defeat and pledged that Democratic majorities would oppose him at every step.

Political analysts note that the Chief of Staff serves as a key gatekeeper of the President’s time, information and access, often being the last voice the President hears before making decisions.