Trump announces Stephen Miller as administration's new chief of staff - analysis

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles would be stepping down, naming his longtime adviser Stephen Miller as her replacement, effective Monday, November 9. The move follows Republicans' decisive losses in the recent midterm elections, which resulted in control of both chambers of Congress switching to the Democrats.

Trump's decision marks a significant turn of events, as he had previously dismissed rumors of a leadership change on October 16, stating they were "false" and that Wiles would remain in her position for an extended period.

Susie Wiles, the first female White House chief of staff, played a crucial role in managing Trump's 2024 campaign and became the first woman to hold the position in American history. After undergoing successful treatment for breast cancer, she announced her resignation on Thursday. Stephen Miller, at 41, is the grandson of Jewish refugees and has been one of Trump's most influential advisers for nearly a decade.

Known as the chief architect of the administration's stringent immigration crackdown and border enforcement, Miller's appointment suggests the White House is preparing for a confrontation with Democrats, who are expected to take control of Congress. His appointment has been met with celebration by far-right Americans, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tweeted "Patriots in control" in response.