Trump Names Stephen Miller Chief of Staff After Major Republican Midterm Losses

President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, one of his closest advisers and a leading figure behind his hard-line immigration policies, as the next White House chief of staff following major losses for Republicans in the midterm elections.

Trump announced the appointment on Friday, saying Miller, who currently serves as deputy chief of staff, would assume the position on Monday, November 9.

Miller will replace Susie Wiles, who is leaving the chief of staff role and moving to Trump’s political operation. Trump praised Wiles for her service and said she would continue working with his political organisation.

Wiles also expressed pride in her time at the White House, saying her commitment to Trump and his political mission remained unchanged.

The leadership change comes days after Republicans suffered a major setback in the November 3 midterm elections, losing control of Congress. The results have intensified scrutiny of the administration’s political strategy and raised questions about how the White House will approach the remainder of Trump’s term.

Miller has been a central figure in Trump’s political circle since the president’s first campaign in 2016. He has played a prominent role in shaping the administration’s immigration policies and messaging and has held a wide-ranging portfolio in the White House.

His appointment places a close Trump loyalist in one of the administration’s most influential positions. The chief of staff oversees the White House’s daily operations, coordinates senior officials and helps manage access to the president.

Wiles, a veteran political strategist, became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff when Trump returned to office in January 2025. She had previously played a significant role in organising his successful 2024 presidential campaign and was widely credited with bringing discipline to his campaign operation.

Her departure, coming immediately after the Republicans’ midterm losses, marks a significant personnel change for the administration as it faces fresh political challenges.

Miller’s leadership will be closely watched for indications of how Trump intends to respond to the election results and advance his priorities in the coming months.