Trump names Stephen Miller as chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles

President Donald Trump announced Nov. 6 that longtime adviser Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, days after Republicans suffered sweeping losses in the midterm elections. 

“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 said in a Truth Social post. 

Trump said Wiles had “done an outstanding job” and would move to “the Trump Political Operation.”

He added, “I want to thank her for her service as Chief of Staff — She has done a great job!”

Wiles confirmed the move in her own statement on X Nov. 6, saying serving Trump “has been the honor of a lifetime.” 

“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,” she added. “More than anything, I’m grateful for the extraordinary people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.”

She said that while her role “may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will.”

Wiles submitted her resignation the evening of Nov. 5, according to Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich, who cited a White House official.

The transition marks a first significant staff change following the Nov. 3 midterms, in which Democrats won control of both the House and Senate. Several conservatives pointed to the Iran war, frustration with the economy, and Republicans’ handling of abortion as factors in the party’s loss. Vice President JD Vance blamed the war as “the reason we lost.” 

Sources familiar with the matter told Axios that Trump blamed Wiles for the midterm losses and expressed concern about the extent of the defeat and his political team’s spending.

One source who spoke with Wiles told the outlet that while Trump did not ask for her resignation, “he couldn't get it out of his head that she was to blame, not him.”

>> After midterm ‘blue wave,’ conservative reactions cite Iran war, abortion, cost of living as loss factors <<

The announcement also comes amid speculation about War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s future. Anonymous sources close to the White House had speculated that he would be fired, as Zeale News previously reported. But Trump told ABC News Nov. 5 that he had “every intention” of keeping Hegseth in his role.

>> Hegseth’s job in doubt after midterm losses as Trump says he intends to keep him <<

Miller joined Trump’s 2016 campaign as a speechwriter before becoming a senior White House adviser for policy during Trump’s first term. He has played a central role in shaping Trump’s immigration policies, including the administration’s deportation agenda.

Axios also reported that Miller has been developing plans to exercise executive authority under a Democratic-controlled Congress. An unnamed Trump adviser framed his appointment as preparing for expected congressional investigations, telling the outlet that “Stephen is a wartime adviser.”