Stephen Miller Promoted to Chief of Staff Amid Immigration Policy Push
President Trump names Stephen Miller as new chief of staff, expanding his influence on immigration enforcement.
2 min read
President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, a key architect of his immigration policy, as his new chief of staff, marking a significant expansion of Miller’s authority within the administration. This move follows the midterm elections, which saw widespread voter dissatisfaction with the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Miller’s Expanded Role
Miller, who has been serving as deputy chief of staff, has long advocated for broader immigration arrests and has clashed with other senior officials over enforcement tactics and messaging. His promotion comes just days after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm election, signaling a shift in the administration’s focus toward immigration policy.
In May 2025, Miller set a daily arrest quota of 3,000 illegal immigrants for ICE and reportedly pushed back against officials who opposed the plan. He instructed ICE to broaden its deportation efforts by targeting individuals without criminal histories, a strategy that has drawn criticism from other officials, including Tom Homan, the border czar.
Public Sentiment and Policy Tensions
A Fox News midterm poll found that 58% of voters believed Trump’s immigration enforcement actions had gone too far, while 60% disapproved of ICE’s performance. These findings highlight the growing public concern over the administration’s approach to immigration.
Miller has also been central to shaping the administration’s immigration messaging, holding daily conference calls focused on policy and reportedly adopting a “militant” tone in his push to increase ICE arrest numbers. He has been in frequent communication with former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, though her successor, Markwayne Mullin, has expressed frustration over the need to keep Miller informed of DHS operations.
White House Leadership Changes
Susie Wiles, who served as chief of staff, resigned earlier this week, prompting Trump to emphasize the need for “change” and to make “moves” within his administration. Wiles will now be moving to Trump’s political operation, signaling a strategic shift in leadership.
Miller’s promotion underscores his growing influence over immigration policy and highlights the ongoing tensions within the administration over how best to manage immigration enforcement. As the debate over immigration continues, Miller’s role as chief of staff is likely to shape the direction of the administration’s approach in the coming months.
Source: Daily Wire
