Stephen Miller has been appointed as the new White House Chief of Staff for the Trump administration, effective Monday, November 9, 2026. Donald Trump announced the change Friday, stating that Susie Wiles, the outgoing Chief of Staff, will move to the Trump Political Operation. Trump praised Wiles for her service, calling it an "outstanding job" and "a great job."
In his first public remarks since the promotion, made at a gathering at Mar-a-Lago, Miller pledged his "unwavering commitment and total devotion" to President Trump and the country. He asserted that Trump "saved America" by strengthening the military and economy, securing the border, and defending against domestic and foreign threats. Miller also highlighted Trump's resilience against legal challenges and his role in revitalizing the Republican Party.
"It is the honor of my life time to be President Trump's chief of staff and I promise to you Mr President, my absolute loyalty, my unwavering commitment and total devotion to your success and the success of this country," Miller stated.
Several members of Trump's cabinet expressed support for Miller's appointment. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. called Miller a "strongest MAHA supporter" and invoked the phrase "unleash the Kraken." Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth praised Miller as "a true patriot and America First fighter," pledging the department's support. JD Vance described Miller as an "amazing patriot" poised to achieve "great things."
The appointment drew sharp criticism from Democrats. Leftist commentator Krystal Ball viewed the move as a defiant message to voters who rejected "barbarism, cruelty and hate" in recent elections. California Governor Gavin Newsom called Miller a "vile thug," attributing "sadistic mass deportation" policies to him and stating the move was an insult to voters. Congressman Robert Garcia advised Miller to "lawyer up," signaling potential investigations into the Trump administration.
Trump told reporters that he wanted to "make a change" and that Miller, who has been with him "from the beginning," is "very good politically" and "will do a great job."
Miller, in a statement on X, expressed his honor in serving as Chief of Staff and thanked Wiles for her "years of devoted service."
Wiles also posted on X, stating Friday was her last day as Chief of Staff and calling her service to Trump the "honor of a lifetime." She highlighted accomplishments such as border security, tax cuts, and economic strengthening, expressing gratitude for her colleagues.
The Daily Mail had previously reported in June that Wiles was preparing to step down after the midterm elections, a report that the White House had denied at the time. A senior White House official, however, told the Daily Mail that Wiles "gave her resignation last night," suggesting a departure independent of the administration's public statement.
Susie Wiles served as the longest-serving White House chief of staff to a Republican president and has been associated with Trump since his 2016 campaign.