Trump names hardliner Miller chief of staff after midterms rout

In a strategic move following the Republicans' significant midterm losses, US President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff on Friday. Miller, a known hardliner and architect of Trump's stringent immigration policies, will replace Susie Wiles, who announced her resignation on Thursday due to her victory in the Democratic landslide.

Known for his distinctive style and unwavering loyalty to Trump, Miller has been a key figure in the administration for decades, championing policies that align with the "America First" agenda. He was responsible for the controversial mass deportation program that became a defining feature of the first year of Trump's second term.

However, Miller's appointment was met with widespread criticism, especially after his involvement in the fatal shootings of two protesters by immigration agents in Minneapolis in January, which sparked widespread demonstrations.

Trump justified his decision, stating, "Sometimes in life you have to make moves," and emphasized that Miller's appointment signaled a "bare-knuckle fightback" against the Democrats' electoral success. Wiles, the first female White House chief of staff, had largely maintained order in the West Wing, preventing the chaos that characterized Trump's first term. Despite her recent recovery from breast cancer, Wiles acknowledged her resignation as she felt the timing was right amidst the political upheaval.

The administration's top figures praised Wiles for her service, describing her as the "ice maiden" for her ability to maintain discipline. Trump, referring to Miller as one of his "most trusted advisors," highlighted that Miller would continue to support the administration's ambitious goals for the remainder of his second term. The decision has been welcomed by various figures in Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, who have expressed their support for Miller's new role.