Stephen Miller becomes White House Chief of Staff in Denver-area shakeup

President Donald Trump announced Friday that Stephen Miller will serve as his next White House Chief of Staff. The new official begins work on Monday. This change replaces Susie Wiles, who held the post since the president's return to office. The move follows Tuesday's midterm elections, where voters rejected the Republican agenda in several key races. The shift alters the daily management of the executive branch for the remainder of Trump's term.

Wiles submitted her resignation to the president on Thursday night. A U.S. official and a senior White House adviser told CBS News that the resignation was linked to the Republican defeats in the midterms. Three sources familiar with the matter said the losses prompted the leadership change. It remained unclear on Friday if Wiles' deputies would stay at the White House. Wiles will move to the Trump Political Operation, according to the president's statement.

Trump posted on Truth Social that Miller is one of his most trusted advisors. He described Miller as a great manager and very good politically. The president said he wanted to make a change and that Wiles had done a great job. He noted that sometimes in life, you have to make moves. Miller has served as a close aide for years. He is the architect of the administration's immigration enforcement and deportation programs.

Wiles ran Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. She has been his chief of staff since his first day back in the White House. On X, she wrote that serving the president was the honor of a lifetime. She expressed pride in accomplishments such as securing the border, cutting taxes, and strengthening the economy. She stated her commitment to the president and the mission would not change despite her new role.

Democrats on Capitol Hill denounced the promotion quickly. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called Miller the architect of the administration's most inhumane policies. He said the Democratic majorities will fight Trump every step of the way. Representative Robert Garcia, who is in line to chair the House Oversight Committee, said Miller should lawyer up. Garcia promised to investigate Miller for misconduct and fight his policies in Congress and the courts.

Trump dismissed the idea of a Chief of Staff change in mid-October. At that time, he called such reports fake news and said he could not be more happy with Wiles. The new arrangement takes effect Monday, setting a new tone for the relationship with the incoming Democratic leadership in Congress.