Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, is facing backlash for a video posted to her Instagram page that appeared to joke about the current cyclosporiasis outbreak. The outbreak has affected thousands across the United States.
In the video, Miller, who recently welcomed her fourth child, participated in a TikTok trend that mimics documentary narration. Set to dramatic music, she is shown sitting with a bag of raw lettuce and a bowl of berries, with text on screen reading: "Preparing for my Netflix documentary on losing baby weight during a parasite outbreak." She added in the caption, "Six weeks postpartum and a new diet just dropped."
The cyclospora parasite is known to contaminate fresh produce, particularly leafy greens, herbs, and soft berries, where contaminants can lodge in bumpy surfaces. Infection leads to severe gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting.
According to reports, 38 states have confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, acquired both domestically and internationally. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates 843 domestic cases with 86 hospitalizations across 31 states, with an additional 1,500 cases requiring further analysis.
Social media users reacted to Miller's video with criticism, with some calling her "out of touch" and "embarrassing." Others, however, found the video humorous, with one user commenting on Miller's appearance postpartum.
Miller welcomed her fourth child, son Hawthorne Hayes Miller, in early June. She has remained active politically since giving birth, recently attending President Donald Trump's birthday UFC fight on the South Lawn less than two weeks after her son's arrival. She was seen carrying a Dior book tote bag featuring an embroidered apple.