White House Power Shift: Stephen Miller Succeeds Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff
The change follows Republican midterm losses and Wiles' announcement that she has cleared her cancer treatment.
By Simon Bennett ·
Stephen Miller assumed the role of White House chief of staff on Friday, replacing Susie Wiles in a leadership change announced by President Donald Trump. The decision places Miller, a 41-year-old architect of the administration's hard-line immigration policies, in the closest advisory position to the president as he prepares to face a new Democratic Congress in 2027.
Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday night, according to a person familiar with the private conversation. She remains on the staff of the president's political organization. Wiles, 69, was the first woman to serve as chief of staff and the longest-serving person in the post during Trump's second term. She had previously served as a key strategist on his 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns.
The personnel move signals a shift in strategy following the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections held on Tuesday. Trump characterized the change as a necessary move, stating that Wiles had done a great job but that sometimes leaders must make changes. He described Miller as a great manager who understands political dynamics. Miller joined the White House staff as deputy chief of staff for policy and had overseen a broad portfolio of executive actions.
Miller has faced scrutiny from Democrats, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. Rep. Robert Garcia, a California Democrat set to lead the House Oversight Committee, called Miller the architect of actions that have terrorized communities. Garcia urged Miller to hire legal counsel. During the recent election campaign, Miller criticized Democratic opponents as extremists and promoted theories regarding election fraud in California and Alaska.
Wiles stepped back from the role after months of treatment for breast cancer, a diagnosis she disclosed in March 2026. She stated in a social media post that serving the president had been the honor of a lifetime and expressed pride in accomplishments including border security and economic growth. In recent interviews, she had described her management style as thoughtful and noted that she was not an enabler.
The departure ends a period during which Wiles managed the daily operations of the White House. She is the daughter of former NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall. Wiles previously managed campaigns for Florida Governor Rick Scott and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. She also played a central role in Ron DeSantis's 2018 gubernatorial victory before a rift developed between the two during the 2024 presidential race.
