US president Donald Trump has named his longtime aide and current deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles, days after Republicans suffered a setback in the midterm elections. Trump announced the decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday, saying Miller would assume the position on Monday, November 9, 2026. “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. He also praised Wiles, who became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, saying she had “done an outstanding job” and would move to his political organisation. “I want to thank her for her service as Chief of Staff — She has done a great job!” Trump added. Wiles subsequently confirmed her departure in a post on X, saying Friday would be her last day in the role. She also indicated that her association with Trump would continue. “Serving President Trump in the White House 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 wrote. “While my role may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will,” she added. The leadership change comes days after Republicans suffered a major setback in Tuesday’s midterm elections, losing control of Congress. Wiles’ departure also follows reports that she could leave the position after the elections. Trump had dismissed speculation about her replacement in mid-October, saying there was “zero chance” he was considering such a move. Miller, one of Trump’s closest and longest-serving advisers, has been a central figure in shaping the administration’s hard-line immigration policies, including its deportation agenda. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and as a homeland security adviser. He joined Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign as a speechwriter and subsequently served as an adviser and Director of Speechwriting during the Republican leader’s first term. Before that, Miller worked on Capitol Hill as an aide to Republican lawmakers, including former Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who later became Trump’s first Attorney General. Wiles, a veteran political strategist and longtime Trump adviser, was the longest-serving White House chief of staff during his presidency. Trump had gone through four chiefs of staff during his first four-year term. Her departure also comes months after she publicly disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in March 2026. Following months of treatment, she indicated in October that there was no longer evidence of the disease. Miller’s appointment places one of Trump’s most trusted policy advisers in a central coordinating role within the White House, particularly as the administration prepares to navigate the political consequences of the midterm results. He is scheduled to take charge on November 9, with Wiles expected to continue working with Trump through his political operation.
