United States President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, a key architect of his hardline immigration policies, as his new chief of staff following major Republican losses in the country’s midterm elections.
Miller will replace Susie Wiles, who resigned after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a significant setback to Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.
Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Wiles for her performance, saying she had “done a very good job”, but added that changes were sometimes necessary.
Miller, 41, who previously served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration and later became deputy chief of staff, is expected to assume the new position on Monday.
A close ally of the president, Miller remained loyal to Trump following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election and returned to the White House when the Republican leader regained power last year.
In a post on X on Friday, Miller described Trump as the most transformative political leader in American history, crediting him with saving the country from those he said sought to destroy it.
He also thanked Wiles for her years of service, describing her as a trusted colleague and friend who played a significant role in the administration.
Miller said his priority in the new position would be to strengthen support for the president and defend the country’s democratic institutions.
Wiles’ departure came days after Democrats secured victories in both the Senate and House of Representatives, giving the opposition party control of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
A US official told CBS News that Wiles submitted her resignation to Trump on Thursday night, while three sources reportedly linked her departure to the Republican Party’s poor performance in the midterm elections.
Trump said Wiles would be reassigned to the Trump Political Operation, although it remained unclear whether her deputies would retain their positions at the White House.
In a statement on X, Wiles described her time working with Trump as the honour of a lifetime, expressing pride in the administration’s achievements.
She added that although her responsibilities would change, her commitment to the president and his political mission remained unchanged.
