President Donald Trump announced on Friday, November 6, that his longtime adviser, Stephen Miller, will replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff. The news comes just three days after Republicans suffered devastating and historic losses in the midterm elections, and after weeks of denials from the White House that Wiles was on her way out.
It marks one of the most significant personnel changes of Trump’s second term, removing the first woman ever to hold the position and elevating one of his most controversial figures, even as voters appeared to reject the president’s hardline positions in Tuesday’s elections. Miller, a controversial figure and a leading architect of President Trump’s immigration policies, has worked closely with the president since his 2016 campaign.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the FIFA World Cup Final soccer match between Chelsea Football Club and Paris Saint-Germain, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
President Donald J. Trump hosts a Rose Garden Dinner for America’s hunters and fishermen while announcing new Executive Orders, Thursday, September 17, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
While the president has repeatedly denied reports that he was considering replacing Wiles, the news follows reports that senior administration figures have spent weeks positioning themselves as replacements. Some accounts also indicated that Wiles may have resigned yesterday.
What Trump Said – and the Future for Wiles
“I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff starting Monday, November 9, 2026,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
The president added that Wiles would not leave his orbit entirely and would instead take on a new role in his political operation.
“Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation. I want to thank her for her services as Chief of Staff — she has done a great job!” he continued.
This comes after reports this week that President Trump is preparing to keep raising money for his MAGA Inc. super PAC, intending to influence Republican races in the future—potentially including the 2028 presidential election. Given Wiles’ success in directing his 2024 presidential campaign, Wiles may now be used to drum up support for President Trump’s political efforts and help establish his long-term legacy. But with Republicans sorely disappointed with his performance and the state of the Iran war, Wiles could face a major challenge.
What Wiles Said
In her own statement, Wiles confirmed that she was leaving her post. She thanked the Trump administration and touted its successes so far.
“Today is my last day as White House Chief of Staff,” she wrote. “Serving President Trump in the White House has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m so proud to have been part of what we’ve accomplished together from securing our border and cutting taxes to strengthening our economy and putting America First.”
More than anything, Wiles said, she was grateful for the “extraordinary people” she worked alongside.
“While my role may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will,” she added.
The two statements don’t immediately suggest any bad blood between Wiles and the president. However, in recent weeks, reports have frequently indicated that, behind the scenes, the president has been asking about Wiles’ performance and has even expressed concern about allegations that she used her influence to benefit her daughter’s career, Katie Wiles, and other Trump advisers working with her.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was complimentary in his own statement, writing on X that Wiles “served our country with exceptional strength, devotion, and grace.”
“She has done an incredible job serving our country and President Trump,” he also said, adding that he was grateful for her service and friendship.
A Wartime Consigliere?
The decision might offer insight into how Trump sees the remainder of his time as president, with Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and the war with Iran still not over.
In June 2023, NPR reported that Trump had long seemed to be searching for a “wartime consigliere”—someone resembling his former lawyer Roy Cohn, known for his confrontational approach to defending the president’s interests. That kind of talk has returned after the announcement that Wiles will step down as chief of staff.
Miller has been described similarly. In March 2026, The American Prospect called him Trump’s “wartime consigliere,” citing his aggressive efforts to defend the president’s immigration agenda. Miller’s appointment suggests the president is now prioritizing confrontation over everything else. Trump talks about making deals with Democrats in Congress, but with Miller in charge, he’ll have a fierce proponent of his agenda directing his staff for, presumably, the next two years.
National Security Journal editor-in-chief Harry Kazianis said on November 6 that a long-time Trump White House staffer confirmed that mindset to him.
“Trump wanted a wartime consigliere. He gets that in Stephen Miller. The problem is that Miller never wants a truce or peace,” the source said.
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, and he produces and edits analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
Quartermaster
November 6, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Democrats want neither truce or peace, and they will get their wish.