Stephen Miller appointed White House chief of staff as Susie Wiles steps down

President Donald Trump said on Friday that Stephen Miller, 41, will become the new White House chief of staff, succeeding Susie Wiles, 69, who is leaving the post. In a social-media post, Trump described Miller as “one of my most trusted advisors” and praised Wiles for doing “an outstanding job.” Miller is slated to assume the role on Monday.

Wiles posted that serving Trump “has been the honor of a lifetime” and expressed pride in the administration’s work on border security, tax cuts, the economy and the “America First” agenda. She added that her commitment to the president and the mission will continue.

During a brief appearance at the White House South Portico, Trump said, “I wanted to make a change. I think Susie’s done a very good job … Stephen’s been great, and we’ve got to make moves.” He also noted that Miller “has been with me from the beginning, he gets it, very good politically and he’s a very good man. He’ll do a great job. Great manager.”

The appointment follows the Republican loss of control of Congress in the recent midterm elections and is seen as an early indication of the administration’s strategy toward upcoming oversight and investigations. Chris Whipple, author of The Gatekeepers, told CNN that the move signals a strong stance by the president. Democratic strategist David Axelrod posted on X that the appointment may reduce hopes for bipartisan cooperation with the new Congress.

Miller, who has served as deputy chief of staff since the president’s return to office in January 2025, was a senior adviser during the 2016 campaign and has been a key figure in the administration’s immigration policies. He previously advocated for measures such as family separation and travel restrictions.

Wiles, the longest-serving chief of staff in the president’s tenure, managed the 2024 campaign and was credited with improving operational discipline. She has been public about her recent health recovery after treatment for breast cancer.

“He saved America from a corrupt political class. He saved America from open borders. He saved America from countries that want the American way of life to end, from foreign adversaries, from domestic adversaries,” Miller said on a Fox News program.

“President Trump took a bullet for you, he bled for you, he faced life in prison for you. And what he needs from you tomorrow is your vote,” Miller added.

Democratic congresswoman Becca Balint posted on X that the appointment follows the recent election results, noting public opposition to the administration’s policies.