Washington: US President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as his new White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles following Republican defeats in the November 3 midterm elections.
The appointment, announced on Friday, comes as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress, creating new challenges for the administration during the remaining two years of Trump's presidency.
Miller 41 will assume office on Monday, 9 November. Wiles, who resigned on Thursday, will move to Trump's political operation after becoming the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.
Trump described Miller as one of his most trusted advisers and praised his longstanding service to the administration.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he wanted a leadership change following the election results.
Miller's role in immigration policy
Miller has been a central figure in shaping Trump's immigration policies since joining his political team during the 2016 presidential campaign.
During Trump's second term, Miller served as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, overseeing major elements of the administration's immigration enforcement agenda.
He has advocated mass deportations, stricter border controls and expanded presidential authority over immigration enforcement.
During Trump's first presidency, Miller also played a significant role in developing travel restrictions affecting several Muslim majority countries.
His influence has extended beyond immigration to federal workforce reductions, domestic policy and disputes with universities over diversity programmes.
The administration's immigration policies have faced criticism from civil rights organisations and Democratic lawmakers, particularly after federal agents fatally shot two Americans in Minneapolis earlier this year.
The incidents prompted protests and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement.
Republicans welcome appointment, Democrats criticise
Miller's appointment drew support from senior Republican figures and criticism from Democratic leaders.
Vice President JD Vance welcomed the decision, praising Miller's commitment to the administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also supported the appointment and thanked Wiles for her service.
Democratic leaders, however, criticised Miller's record on immigration and executive authority.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Miller of promoting xenophobic policies, while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticised his role in the administration's immigration enforcement measures.
Schumer said Democrats would oppose Miller's policies in Congress.
Following the announcement, Miller praised Trump in a social media statement and reaffirmed his support for the president's political agenda.
Democrats prepare to take control of Congress
The leadership change follows Republican losses in the midterm elections, which handed Democrats control of the House of Representatives and Senate.
The results will increase congressional scrutiny of the administration once the new Congress takes office in January 2027.
Democratic lawmakers have indicated plans to investigate immigration enforcement practices and examine the administration's use of executive authority.
Miller's appointment places one of Trump's closest policy advisers in charge of White House operations as the administration prepares to work with a Democratic controlled Congress.
Wiles had been credited with maintaining organisational discipline within Trump's second administration and managing internal disagreements.
Trump thanked her for her service and confirmed that she would continue working with his political team.
The transition comes as the White House faces increased political pressure, with immigration enforcement, executive authority and congressional oversight expected to remain central issues in the next two years.
