Trump announces Stephen Miller as administration's new chief of staff - analysis

Jerusalem Post/World NewsWiles, who recently recovered from breast cancer, will move to his political operation, while Miller, the Jewish architect of the administration’s hardline immigration policies, takes over.Follow us on GoogleWhite House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller attends a Halloween event hosted by first lady Melania Trump at the White House on October 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.(photo credit: Finn Gomez/Getty Images)NOVEMBER 6, 2026 21:12Updated: NOVEMBER 6, 2026 21:37US President Donald Trump announced Friday that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles will step down, naming his longtime adviser Stephen Miller as her successor, effective Monday, November 9.The move comes just three days after Republicans suffered a sweeping defeat in the midterm elections, losing control of both chambers of Congress.The announcement marks a striking reversal for Trump, who categorically denied reports of a possible leadership change on October 16.“There is zero chance,” Trump told CNN at the time, calling the reports false and insisting that Wiles would remain in her position for a long time.Wiles, first female White House chief of staff, managed Trump's 2024 campaignWiles, 69, one of Trump’s closest and most trusted advisers, managed his successful 2024 presidential campaign and became the first woman in American history to serve as White House chief of staff. In September, she announced that she was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for breast cancer diagnosed earlier this year. She continued working throughout her treatment.White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles applauds as US President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign rally at the Port of Corpus Christi on October 27, 2026 in Corpus Christi, Texas. (credit: CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES)US officials told The Jerusalem Post that Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday.The 41-year-old Miller is the grandson of Jewish refugees and has been among Trump’s most influential advisers for nearly a decade. Currently serving as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, he is widely regarded as the chief architect of the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, including mass deportations and tighter border enforcement. His influence has also extended into national security and foreign policy.Miller is a trusted advisor to the US president, and his appointment suggests the White House is "preparing for a confrontation" with the Democrats, who are expected to take control of Congress.He is also an uncompromising factor in the harsh and negative sense of the word, and it is estimated that this will make Trump's ability to work with the Democrats non-existent.Far-right Americans celebrated Miller’s appointment, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth marked the occasion with a three-word X/Twitter post, saying "Patriots in control."Trump praises Wiles' 'outstanding job,' says she is to transition to political operationTrump praised Wiles for having done an “outstanding job” and said she would transition to his political operation, keeping her within his broader political orbit.In an X post later on Friday, Wiles said she was "proud" of what she and Trump had "accomplished together" during her time as chief of staff."More than anything, I’m grateful for the extraordinary people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside," she wrote. "While my role may be changing, my commitment to the president and the mission never will."Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.Follow us on Google