Officials say Trump’s Miller pick points to a hard line with Congress. Democrats have sharply criticized the choice.
President Donald Trump’s decision to make Stephen Miller his White House chief of staff points to a combative approach toward the Democratic-led Congress, according to administration officials and Republicans who spoke to Reuters. They said Trump plans to ramp up confrontation in his final two years in office and resist outside political and economic pressure. Miller, 41, takes over Monday from Susie Wiles.
Voters delivered a historic rebuke to Republicans in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Reuters reported that officials and experts expect the administration, with Miller in charge, to continue its immigration crackdown, amplify cultural conflicts and give no ground to Democrats. The Washington Post reported that Miller’s policies are prime targets for investigations by congressional Democrats. At an event at Trump’s Florida estate Friday, Miller said Trump had “saved America.”
Miller has served in Trump’s orbit since the 2016 campaign. He is the architect of the administration’s mass deportation program. His current title is deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. Republican strategist Ron Bonjean told Reuters that Republicans on Capitol Hill who want to break with Trump will know Miller will not stand by.
Democrats reacted sharply. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Miller of extremism and xenophobia, according to AFP. Democrats have pointed to the deportation campaign, including shootings by federal agents that left two Americans dead. The Hill reported that many see the move as a sign Trump will use executive authority instead of compromise. One person quoted by The Hill argued the choice could itself be a negotiating tactic that projects strength. The Hill also quoted a lobbyist who said Trump has at times pulled back when Miller’s approach went too far, citing Minneapolis earlier this year.
This report draws on Reuters, The Washington Post, The Hill and AFP.