Trump Names Stephen Miller Chief of Staff After Republican Midterm Losses: What to Know

Miller takes the top role

Trump announced Friday that Miller would succeed Wiles as White House chief of staff, beginning Nov. 9. Miller has served as deputy chief of staff and helped carry out the administration’s mass deportation agenda.

Trump told reporters he wanted a change and praised both Miller and Wiles. In his Truth Social announcement, he said Wiles would move to the Trump political operation.

Wiles leaves the post

Wiles became chief of staff when Trump began his second term in January 2025, making her his longest-serving holder of the job. She said on X that Friday was her final day in the role and that her commitment to Trump’s mission would continue.

A senior White House official told MS NOW that Wiles had resigned the previous night. The official said Wiles told Trump, “Let me make this easy on you: I am going to resign.” The account also said Trump had been upset with Wiles as he reacted to Republican losses. Wiles was expected to remain in the White House through next year, according to conversations with her allies described by a White House official.

Election losses shaped timing

The staffing announcement came three days after midterm results dealt a sharp setback to Trump’s second-term policies. Administration officials had anticipated that Wiles might leave following the elections, according to people who spoke anonymously to MS NOW.

Officials voice concerns

Other administration officials expressed unease about Miller’s promotion, according to senior officials who spoke anonymously about internal discussions. They worried it could bring back more extreme proposals that had previously been set aside.

Trump publicly described Wiles’ work as very good, while confirming that he wanted a change in the position. Wiles’ departure and Miller’s appointment therefore drew both praise and concern within the administration.