President Donald Trump announced on Friday, November 6, 2026, that Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, following midterm elections in which Republicans lost both chambers of Congress.
Susie Wiles Resigns After Midterm Defeat
The staff change takes effect on Monday, November 9, 2026. Susie Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday night after a Republican defeat that handed Democrats control of both the House and Senate, according to senior White House sources, according to CNBC. The president grew dissatisfied with Wiles in recent months as his political standing declined, and he reportedly chafed at reports that individuals in her orbit were securing lucrative consulting posts through presidential connections.
Wiles told Trump during the fallout, let me make this easy on you — I am going to resign,
MS NOW reported. In a post on X, Wiles wrote that serving in the White House was the honor of a lifetime, adding that her commitment to the president and the mission remains unchanged.
Your new White House Chief of Staff, @StephenM. "The mission now is more clear than ever: Fight with all of our soul to support our President and defend this magnificent Republic." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/u27NDwMCPn
Stephen Miller Takes the Helm
Stephen Miller, 41, has served as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser since January 2025. He has been a fixture in Trump’s political orbit since joining the 2016 presidential campaign as a speechwriter, where he shaped anti-immigration messaging and America First ideology. Earlier in his career, he worked as an aide to former Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, focusing on blocking immigration reform, according to HuffPost.
In his first speech as chief of staff at Mar-a-Lago on Friday night, Miller declared that the Republican Party is more popular than ever. If it wasn’t for President Trump, the United States of America would not exist right now,
Miller said, thanking him for saving America and the GOP.
Stephen Miller is a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands. His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor. Fire him today.
President Trump called him one of his most trusted advisors in the announcement post on Truth Social.
Lawmakers Criticize Promotion over Immigration Positions
The appointment drew sharp divisions among lawmakers and former administration officials. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called for Miller to be fired rather than promoted, according to NBC News.
"I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff starting Monday, November 9, 2026. Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving… pic.twitter.com/4VcFdAmHPN
Several Republican lawmakers also voiced sharp criticism. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital that the elevation was a horrible decision. Because of his immigration positions, I just think we ruined a lot of our goodwill with Latino voters,
Stutzman said. Another Republican lawmaker described being in utter disbelief over the choice.
Supporters defended the selection as a reward for loyalty and preparation for congressional investigations. Bruce Haynes, a Republican communications consultant, wrote on social media that the move was likely a case of the next trusted man up. Hogan Gidley, a first-term Trump veteran, noted that Miller’s experience dealing with congressional fights during the first term will prove useful as Democrats take control of both chambers.
Stephen Miller Shapes Restrictive Immigration Measures
During Donald Trump’s first term in office, Stephen Miller was involved in shaping restrictive measures including bans on entry from Muslim-majority countries, the policy of separating migrant families at the southern border, and efforts to limit legal immigration. Following Joe Biden’s presidential term, Miller co-founded the legal organization America First Legal to pursue legal challenges against policies introduced by the Democratic administration. When Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Miller assumed the role of deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser.
White House officials and supporters have credited Miller with spearheading the administration’s crime crackdown, including operations in the District of Columbia. Steven Cheung, the White House director of communications, described Miller as a foundational figure who has remained with the president from the very beginning. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris praised Miller for building a proven record focused on securing the border, combating crime, and advancing a conservative agenda. Vice President JD Vance also congratulated him on the promotion.
Re Stephen Miller promotion to CoS: would NOT assume this means scorched Earth policy vs. Dems or doubling down to come. Trump rewards Loyalty and Miller has been loyal. This is more likely "next trusted man up" than any big strategic signal.
Wider Political Fallout
The decision to replace Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller followed an electoral rout in the midterm elections that left the Republican Party facing a divided government. White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis stated that Miller has been a key player in delivering on the America First agenda since day one. Conversely, critics such as Ty Cobb, who served in the White House Counsel’s Office during Trump’s first term, characterized the appointment as an example of Trump acting at his narcissistic worst.
Sarah Matthews remarked that the promotion signals an expectation of continued hardline governance rather than meaningful moderation or bipartisan cooperation. Democratic Representative Robert Garcia of California, the incoming chairman of the House Oversight Committee, stated that Miller’s appointment indicates the president is doubling down on controversial approaches. As the administration prepares for the final two years in office, lawmakers and analysts expect head-on confrontations with the newly empowered Democratic majorities in Congress.
President Trump is the most transformative political leader in American History — and he has single-handedly saved America from those who would destroy it. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have served on his team from Day One, and I am honored beyond words to serve…
Earlier coverage: Trump Names Stephen Miller White House Chief of Staff