How Stephen Miller Schemed His Way to the Top

President Donald Trump announced that Stephen Miller, a key aide known for his politically aggressive stance, would become the new White House chief of staff following the party's poor showing in the midterm elections. Miller, who previously held the positions of deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, has been instrumental in implementing some of Trump's most controversial policies, including a severe immigration crackdown that has resulted in US citizens' deaths.

Trump announced the change on his Truth Social platform, with Miller set to replace Susie Wiles on Monday, less than a week after the Republicans' significant losses in the House and Senate. Trump privately blamed Wiles for the party's worst midterm performance in decades, according to sources familiar with the situation. Wiles resigned on Thursday, followed by Trump's decision to appoint Miller, likely due to his unwavering support and loyalty to the president.

Miller, who has worked with Trump since his first campaign, had been lobbying for the position for weeks as Wiles faced mounting pressure before the midterms. Trump had also distanced Wiles from certain decisions, leading to doubts about her job security, with sources noting that she was reportedly bypassed in hiring Katie Zacharia as press secretary without Wiles' knowledge.

With Wiles' departure, other White House aides, including James Blair and Richard Walters, are at risk of being fired by Miller unless they resign first. The transition also aims to provide relief to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has had a contentious relationship with Wiles but shares Miller's ideological alignment. Miller, who oversees the Homeland Security Council, played a crucial role in coordinating the administration's campaign against Venezuelan boats.

Wiles, who marked her tenure as the most successful chief of staff to Trump since leaving his first term, expressed her pride in her accomplishments, including securing the border, cutting taxes, and bolstering the economy. Despite personal challenges, such as her successful chemotherapy treatment and her daughter's lucrative contracts, Wiles praised her time in the White House.