Katie Miller, wife of newly appointed White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has alluded to her involvement in securing her husband's promotion. Following reports that she spent weeks instructing individuals to contact President Trump and advocate for Stephen Miller to replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff, Katie Miller posted on X, "Wife supports husband. If your wife doesn’t do this, find a new one." This statement appears to confirm her behind-the-scenes efforts.
Politico reported that Katie Miller strategized a campaign to elevate her husband's position after Wiles, previously considered a close confidante of Trump, was reportedly moved from her role. The timing of this development followed a significant midterm election loss for Democrats, leading Trump to consider various candidates for the chief of staff position.
While Trump reportedly considered several other individuals, including Bill Pulte, Steve Witkoff, Kevin McCarthy, Lee Zeldin, and Sergio Gor, Katie Miller actively promoted her husband. She reportedly made multiple calls to individuals such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and associates of JD Vance to ensure Stephen Miller remained a contender.
On November 9, 2026, Trump announced Stephen Miller's appointment via his Truth Social platform, stating, "I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff starting Monday, November 9, 2026." The White House described the decision as a logical progression, with Stephen Miller expressing his honor at the appointment.
The Millers have become a prominent power couple within the Trump administration. Katie Miller, formerly Katie Waldman, has a background in communications, having worked for a Republican senator and the Department of Homeland Security before serving as Mike Pence's press secretary. She met Stephen Miller in 2018, and they married in 2020 with President Trump in attendance.
Meanwhile, Susie Wiles has faced accusations of corruption. A former staffer for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Wiles of accepting money from corporations and foreign entities to undermine Kennedy's agenda. Wiles had previously denied reports in June suggesting she was preparing to leave the White House after the midterms.