Miller Takes White House Chief of Staff Role With $0 Budget for Legislative Wins
Stephen Miller begins his new post on November 9 as Democrats control both chambers of Congress following midterm defeats.
By Pedro Tanaka ·
The White House leadership structure changed on Friday when President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as chief of staff. The move places a senior adviser in charge of the executive branch during a period of divided government. Miller officially begins his duties on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The appointment follows a decisive shift in congressional power. Republicans lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in recent midterm elections. Democrats now hold the majority in both chambers. This new dynamic alters the legislative calculus for the remainder of the Trump administration’s term.
Susie Wiles departs the White House to assume a role within the Trump Political Operation. The president praised Wiles for her service and called her performance outstanding during her tenure. He formally introduced Miller on Truth Social, describing him as his deputy chief of staff and one of his most trusted advisors.
Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan issued a direct critique of the new appointment on Sunday. Speaking on ABC News’s “This Week,” El-Sayed described Miller as the most broken man leading the most dysfunctional White House in recent memory. Host Jonathan Karl asked what message the role sends to the public and to Democratic legislative prospects.
El-Sayed pointed to the administration’s stated goal of working with Democrats on affordability. He argued that the Miller appointment contradicts that intent. The senator-elect said Miller has primarily served to make the public angrier and to stoke the worst kind of fear and vitriol. He cited the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on the streets and the loss of American lives as key examples.
The White House has been contacted for comment on the personnel changes and the senator-elect’s remarks. The administration is expected to address public reaction as Miller prepares to manage relations with a Democratic majority in Congress. Miller inherits the task of coordinating policy and legislative strategy in a divided government.
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