White House Staffing: Stephen Miller Replaces Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff
President Trump promotes his Deputy Chief of Staff to lead the West Wing on Monday, a decision that follows Democratic midterm victories and has drawn sharp criticism from congressional leaders.
By James Mitchell ·
President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff on Friday, replacing Susie Wiles in a personnel shift that positions the administration for a two-year legislative battle with a Democratic-controlled Congress. The move was announced via a post on Truth Social and sets a confrontational tone for the new 120th Congress.
Miller has served in both of Trump’s presidential terms. He held the role of Deputy Chief of Staff starting January 20, 2025, after working in various capacities during the first administration. Wiles, who is departing the role, was the first woman to hold the Chief of Staff title in U.S. history. She will transition into Trump’s political operation, according to the announcement.
The appointment arrives days after Democrats secured major wins in the midterm elections. Both chambers of Congress are now under Democratic control by wide margins. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the selection on X, framing it as a strategic choice to intensify conflict rather than seek compromise.
Jeffries described Miller as a "dangerous xenophobe" and a "reckless extremist," calling for his immediate removal. "His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor. Fire him today," he wrote. Schumer called Miller the "architect" of the administration’s most controversial policies and stated that the new Democratic majorities would "fight him every step of the way."
Miller accepted the role in a post on X, describing the opportunity as the privilege of his lifetime. He thanked Wiles for her "devoted service" and defined the mission ahead as fighting to support the president and defend the republic. "The mission now is more clear than ever: Fight with all of our soul to support our President and defend this magnificent Republic," Miller wrote.
Wiles expressed gratitude for her colleagues and reaffirmed her commitment to the administration’s goals despite the change in her title. "While my role may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will," she posted. Miller’s first day in the new role is scheduled for Monday.
The transition places a former policy architect in charge of daily operations. As the new Congress convenes, the White House will manage a schedule that includes budget negotiations and legislative votes, all while operating under the leadership of a figure known for a combative approach to partisan disagreements.
