Miller takes over White House staff

The White House leadership transition is complete. Stephen Miller, formerly the Deputy Chief of Staff, is now the chief of staff. He assumed the role on Monday, November 9, 2026. The move occurred one day after Democratic candidates secured majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate during the midterm elections. President Donald Trump confirmed the change in a Friday post on Truth Social. He described Miller as a trusted advisor and said the new duties would begin immediately upon the start of the new week. Susie Wiles, who held the post previously, was reassigned to the Trump Political Operation. Trump praised her service in the same announcement.

The timeline of events shows a rapid shift in personnel. Republicans lost their majority in the House and Senate in the recent elections. The defeat marked a change in the balance of power in Washington. Trump announced Miller's promotion on Friday. Miller started the job on Monday. This sequence placed the new chief of staff in charge just as the new congressional session was beginning.

Republican Representative Marlin Stutzman of Indiana criticized the decision on Sunday. He appeared on CNN's Inside Politics with Manu Raju. Stutzman used a business analogy to explain his view. He stated that when a team performs poorly, leaders responsible for that failure are usually replaced. He argued that the midterm results showed the Republican side had failed. Therefore, he said, those in charge should have been let go rather than promoted. Stutzman noted that Miller is not well-liked in the Midwest. He cited Miller's tone as the primary reason for that negative perception in the region.

Democratic leaders reacted with sharp criticism. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader from New York, posted a statement on the platform X. Jeffries is expected to become the next House Speaker. He called Miller a dangerous xenophobe and a reckless extremist. Jeffries claimed Miller has American blood on his hands. He urged for Miller to be fired immediately. Jeffries used the phrase malignant tumor to describe Miller's presence in the government. He said the appointment is a concern as Democrats prepare for the new session.

The White House has been contacted for comment on the criticism. The timing of the promotion aligns with the start of the new term for many officials. Miller is now positioned to shape the administration's agenda in the coming months. Stutzman's remarks join a wider discussion within the Republican party about strategy and messaging. He suggested the administration missed an opportunity to signal a fresh start after the electoral setbacks. The debate over Miller's suitability for the top staff position is expected to continue as the new political year begins.