US President Donald Trump on Friday said advisor Stephen Miller would become his new chief of staff. Miller has been instrumental in driving the Trump administration's mass deportation programme and faced particular criticism after the deadly shootings of two Minneapolis protesters by ICE agents in January.

Then-White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller attend a meeting at the UN Headquarters on September 22, 2026 in New York City. © Chip Somodevilla, AFP

US President Donald Trump on Friday named close aide and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Stephen Miller, as his new chief of staff, promoting the architect of his hardline migration policy after the Republican Party's brutal midterms defeat.

Miller will replace current incumbent White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as of Monday, Trump said on his Truth Social network, thanking Wiles for an "outstanding job."

Post by Donald Trump via Truth Social on November 06, 2026 detailng the appointment of Stephen Miller as his Chief of Staff from Monday. © Donald J Trump, Truth Social

Hyper loyalist Miller, 41, has been one of Trump's closest aides for more than a decade and is the president's most powerful and hawkish voice on immigration.

"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," Trump wrote.

"Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation. I want to thank her for her service as Chief of Staff – She has done a great job!"

Miller, who also holds the title of homeland security advisor, has been instrumental in driving the mass deportation programme – often featuring violent raids by masked agents – during Trump's second term.

Miller faced particular criticism after the deadly shootings of two protesters by immigration agents in Minneapolis in January – incidents that sparked mass demonstrations.

The top Democrat in the US Senate vowed on Friday to vigorously oppose Miller's appointment.

"Stephen Miller is the architect of the most barbaric, inhumane policies of this administration. Trump couldn't have made a worse choice. Our Democratic majorities will fight him every step of the way," Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X.

The White House had recently pushed back vehemently against reports that Wiles – the first ever female chief of staff to a US president – was set to be sacked.

But the appointment of Miller indicates Trump, 80, is ready to double down on his policies after losing control of the House and Senate to Democrats in a landslide.

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Cover image: FOCUS © FRANCE 24 05:13

Wiles, 69, who announced recently that she had been given the all-clear from breast cancer, said in a statement on X that Friday would be her last day in her job.

"Serving President Trump in the White House has been the honour of a lifetime," she wrote.

"I'm so proud to have been a part of what we've accomplished together from securing our border and cutting taxes to strengthening our economy and putting America First."