Donald Trump names Stephen Miller chief of staff as domestic agenda faces scrutiny
A longtime aide takes charge
Miller, 41, has served Trump since the 2016 campaign, first as an adviser and speechwriter. He is among the small number of aides who worked in both of Trump’s terms.
In the second term, Miller served as homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff under Wiles. Trump said Miller was “one of my most trusted advisors” when announcing the appointment.
A central role in White House
The chief of staff helps manage the president’s schedule and staff, and typically serves as a close adviser who helps set daily priorities. The role gives Miller substantial influence over access to Trump and the administration’s work.
Miller has advocated expansive presidential authority. White House officials said the appointment reflects a decision to keep loyalists close, rather than change direction on major domestic policies.
Influence on domestic policy
Miller has been a leading force behind Trump’s immigration crackdown, including a goal of 3,000 arrests per day. He has urged Immigration and Customs Enforcement to pursue people in the country illegally, not only those with criminal records.
He has also advocated ending birthright citizenship and criticized the Supreme Court after it rejected that proposal. Miller was involved in efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy, which led to tens of thousands of civil servants being dismissed in 2025, and in administration disputes with universities and diversity programs.
Foreign policy and political stakes
Miller echoed Trump’s statements about the war with Iran, saying US and Israeli strikes had destroyed Tehran’s leadership class and military capacity. In January, he did not rule out military action to acquire Greenland and said the US was “running Venezuela” after former President Nicolas Maduro was captured.
Former Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, said Trump was getting someone “who is wed to him” and willing to fight Congress over immigration and investigations. The appointment comes as Trump’s policies weigh on his approval rating and the Republican midterm loss could constrain his agenda.
Key points
- Trump appointed Stephen Miller chief of staff, effective Monday.
- Miller has worked with Trump since the 2016 campaign and served in both terms.
- His policy influence includes immigration enforcement and efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy.
- The Republican loss of Congress could increase Trump’s reliance on executive power.