US President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, the architect of his hardline immigration policies, as his new White House chief of staff following the Republican Party’s significant losses in the midterm elections. Miller, who served as deputy chief of staff and senior adviser during Trump’s first term, will replace Susie Wiles, who resigned after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress.
Wiles, 69, submitted her resignation on Thursday night, according to a US official speaking to CBS News. Three sources told CBS that her departure was directly connected to the midterm election results. In a statement, Wiles described her tenure as “the honor of a lifetime” and expressed pride in accomplishments such as securing the border, cutting taxes, and strengthening the economy. “While my role may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will,” she said.
Trump announced that Wiles would transition to the “Trump Political Operation,” praising her for an outstanding performance. The appointment of Miller marks a notable shift, as Trump had dismissed suggestions of Wiles’s departure as recently as last month, declaring there was “zero chance” she would be replaced. Miller, one of Trump’s closest aides who remained loyal during the 2020 election defeat, is expected to assume the chief of staff position on Monday.
The change in leadership comes amid a broader wave of high-profile exits from the administration. Several Justice Department officials have also resigned, including John Eisenberg, head of the National Security Division, and Jason Reding Quiñones, who was involved in investigations concerning the handling of classified documents. These departures have triggered fresh debate within the Republican Party over how to respond to what many view as a voter rejection of the party’s agenda.
“Just days after the American people rejected his corrupt and lawless presidency, Donald Trump is doubling down. Stephen Miller is the architect of the unconstitutional ICE raids that have terrorised our communities and kidnapped and killed American citizens and immigrant families,” said Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia.
Democrats have criticized the appointment, accusing the president of maintaining his policies despite the electoral setback. Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee when Democrats assume control of the chamber, stated he would continue investigating Miller and what he described as his misconduct. In response, Trump’s Communications Director, Steven Cheung, defended the decision, stating that Miller is “no bigger advocate for the Trump agenda” and will help the administration deliver on its goals for the remainder of the term.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
