With Stephen Miller at the helm, Trump charts a course for conflict

President Donald Trump's decision to appoint loyalist Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff suggests an intention to intensify confrontations during his final two years in office, according to administration officials and Republicans. Despite the Republican Party's significant losses in the recent midterm elections, the administration anticipates continuing its aggressive immigration policies, escalating cultural conflicts, and remaining unyielding to Democratic-led Congress.

Dan Eberhart, a Trump supporter and energy executive, stated that the administration will adopt a "fighting-from-a-bunker approach" in its last two years. Although Trump has expressed willingness to cooperate with Democrats, his behavior since the midterm results have been combative, including ordering a Justice Department investigation into Democrats accused of sending threatening letters to Republican donors and allies.

Stephen Miller, who has been part of Trump's career since 2016, is known for his combative ideology and loyalty to the President. While Trump's immigration policies have garnered support from his base but alienated many voters, with only 37% approving of Trump's handling of immigration in a recent poll, there are no indications from four US officials that the administration will ease up on its immigration crackdown.

Republican strategist Ron Bonjean warned that Miller will not allow any breakaway from Trump's administration, while corporate lobbyists expressed concern about his lack of responsiveness to their issues compared to his predecessor.