President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, the architect of his hardline immigration agenda, as his new chief of staff—a move signaling an intensification of the administration’s controversial mass deportation policies. Miller replaces Susie Wiles, who resigned Thursday evening and will transition to Trump’s political operation.
The promotion comes days after Republicans faced significant midterm election losses, with polling showing voter discontent over the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics. A Fox News survey found 58% of voters believed Trump’s actions on immigration had “gone too far,” while 60% disapproved of ICE’s performance.
‘Militant’ Immigration Push
Miller, previously deputy chief of staff, has long championed aggressive enforcement measures. Internal reports describe him as taking a “militant” approach, holding daily conference calls focused on ramping up deportation numbers. In May, he reportedly directed ICE officials to arrest 3,000 undocumented immigrants daily—a quota demanding expanded arrests beyond those with criminal records.
“He laid into top officials who resisted broadening the scope,” an Axios source revealed. Reuters reporting indicates Miller pushed ICE to abandon its “worst of the worst” prioritization in favor of sweeping arrests, clashing with officials like former border czar Tom Homan, who advocated a narrower approach.
Friction Within the Administration
Miller’s relentless demands have caused tension, with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressing frustration over constant directives, according to CNN. Yet despite disagreements, one official noted Miller remains the administration’s policy gatekeeper: “All policy has to run through Stephen as an extension of the White House.”
Trump framed the staffing shift as necessary for momentum, stating, “Sometimes in life you gotta make moves.” With Miller now overseeing operations, the White House appears poised to escalate a deportation strategy that even some allies view as politically risky.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/mass-deportation-gets-its-champion-in-the-chief-of-staffs-office