Trump names Stephen Miller chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles; Vance praises the choice, Tillis and Democratic leaders condemn it
Trump named Stephen Miller White House chief of staff in place of Susie Wiles three days after the midterms. Vance and White House aides praised him, while Sen. Thom Tillis and Democratic leaders condemned the choice.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
On November 6, 2026, three days after Democrats won control of Congress in the midterm elections, President Trump named Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. Vice President JD Vance and White House aides praised the choice. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries condemned it.
Read the full background
Trump announced on Truth Social on November 6, 2026, that Stephen Miller, his deputy chief of staff and one of his longest-serving aides, would become White House chief of staff on Monday, November 9. He said Susie Wiles, the first woman to hold the job, had done an outstanding job and would move to his political operation. Wiles posted the same afternoon that it was her last day as chief of staff.
The change came three days after the midterm elections, in which Democrats won majorities in the House and the Senate. Trump told reporters he wanted to make a change, and later that day said the move was not because of the election. The AP, citing a person familiar with the events, reports that Wiles gave Trump her resignation on Thursday night, November 5. ABC News, citing sources, reports that she decided to resign once it became clear that Trump was privately blaming her for the losses.
Miller is best known as an architect of the administration's immigration enforcement policies. Vice President JD Vance and White House communications director Steven Cheung praised him, and Miller said he was honored to take the job. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called Miller the worst possible choice and said Republicans lost Hispanic votes in large part over the handling of border and homeland security policy. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Robert Garcia, who is set to chair the House Oversight Committee, condemned the pick. Garcia said Oversight Democrats would keep investigating Miller.
People in this case
Stephen MillerDirectly involved
Donald TrumpDirectly involved
Susie WilesDirectly involved
Timeline
6 timeline entries on this page. Dates: November 3, 2026 to November 6, 2026
November 2026
Democrats win majorities in the House and Senate
Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, three days before the chief of staff change.
[01]CNBC
CNBC reports the announcement days after Democrats won majorities in both chambers, Trump's remarks to reporters, praise from administration officials and Vance, and criticism from Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.
[02]ABC News
ABC News reports, citing sources, that Trump privately blamed Wiles for the midterm losses and that she then decided to resign. It reports reactions from Vance, Pete Hegseth, Sen. Thom Tillis and several Democrats.
Trump says chief of staff Susie Wiles out, Stephen Miller will replace her · ABC NewsFull articleWiles gives Trump her resignation, according to people familiar with the matter
The AP, citing a person familiar with the events, reports that Wiles resigned on Thursday night. ABC News, citing sources, reports that she decided to resign once it became clear Trump was privately blaming her for the midterm losses.
[03]Associated Press
The AP reports Trump's announcement, his remarks to reporters praising Miller, his later statement that the change was not because of the election, a person familiar's account that Wiles resigned on Thursday night, Wiles's post, and Rep. Robert Garcia's response.
Trump replaces Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by NBC4 Washington[02]ABC News
ABC News reports, citing sources, that Trump privately blamed Wiles for the midterm losses and that she then decided to resign. It reports reactions from Vance, Pete Hegseth, Sen. Thom Tillis and several Democrats.
Trump says chief of staff Susie Wiles out, Stephen Miller will replace her · ABC NewsFull articleTrump names Stephen Miller White House chief of staff
In a Truth Social post at 1:51 p.m. Eastern, Trump says Miller will become chief of staff on Monday, November 9, and that Wiles will move to his political operation.
[04]Donald Trump
Trump announces that Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller will become White House chief of staff on Monday, November 9, 2026, and that Susie Wiles will move to his political operation. He calls Miller one of his most trusted advisers and says Wiles did an outstanding job.
Trump's Truth Social post naming Stephen Miller White House chief of staff · Donald TrumpFull post, November 6, 2026, 1:51 p.m. ESTWiles says it is her last day as chief of staff
Reaction
Wiles calls serving Trump in the White House the honor of a lifetime and says her commitment to the president and his mission will not change.
[05]Susie Wiles says it is her last day as White House chief of staff
Wiles says November 6 is her last day as chief of staff, calls serving Trump the honor of a lifetime and says her commitment to the president and his mission will not change.
Susie Wiles says it is her last day as White House chief of staffOriginal post, 2:00 p.m. EasternTrump tells reporters he wanted to make a change
Reaction
Leaving the White House, Trump says Wiles did a very good job and Miller will be a great manager. The AP reports that later on Friday he said the change was not because of the election.
[06]The White House
White House video of Trump speaking to reporters as he leaves for Florida. Asked about Susie Wiles's departure, he says Stephen Miller will be the new chief of staff, that he wanted to make a change, that Wiles did a very good job, and that Miller will do a great job.
President Trump Gaggles with Press Upon Departure from the White House, Nov. 6, 2026 · The White House0:38 to 1:35[03]Associated Press
The AP reports Trump's announcement, his remarks to reporters praising Miller, his later statement that the change was not because of the election, a person familiar's account that Wiles resigned on Thursday night, Wiles's post, and Rep. Robert Garcia's response.
Trump replaces Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by NBC4 WashingtonMiller says he is honored to serve as chief of staff
Reaction
Miller thanks Trump and Wiles and says the mission is to fight to support the president.
[07]Stephen Miller says he is honored to serve as White House chief of staff
Miller praises Trump, says he is honored to serve as chief of staff, thanks Wiles for her service and friendship, and describes the mission ahead.
Stephen Miller says he is honored to serve as White House chief of staffOriginal post, 4:23 p.m. Eastern
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Trump says his decision to replace Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff was not because of Republicans' losses in the midterm elections.
What is disputed
ABC News reports, citing sources, that Trump was privately blaming Wiles for the midterm losses and that once that became clear she decided to resign, which she did on Thursday night. The AP reports, citing a person familiar with the events, that Wiles gave Trump her resignation on Thursday night. Trump says Wiles did a good job and will move to his political operation.
Sources (2)
- Trump replaces Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by NBC4 Washington
- Trump says chief of staff Susie Wiles out, Stephen Miller will replace her · ABC NewsFull article
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
2 matching responses. Newest first.
Donald TrumpPresident of the United States, speaking to reporters on the White House South LawnDirectly involvedBefore this statement
A reporter notes that about a month earlier Trump had said there was zero chance Wiles would be replaced and asks what changed. Trump says he wanted to make a change, that Wiles did a very good job, and that Miller has been with him from the beginning.
"He gets it. Very good politically. And he's a very good man. He'll do a great job. Great manager."
Defended or excusedResponding to: Trump says his decision to replace Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff was not because of Republicans' losses in the midterm elections.
Full statement and sources
Leaving the White House for Florida, Trump tells reporters he wanted to make a change, that Wiles did a very good job, and that Miller, who has been with him from the beginning, is very good politically and will be a great manager.
After the statement
The AP reports that later on Friday Trump denied that he made the change because of his party's midterm losses: "Not because of the election. It's just time".
President Trump Gaggles with Press Upon Departure from the White House, Nov. 6, 2026 · The White House0:38 to 1:35Trump replaces Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff · Associated PressFull article, AP copy published by NBC4 WashingtonWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's decision to name Stephen Miller White House chief of staff in place of Susie Wiles. Trump praises Miller's politics, character and management, which defends his choice.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Stephen MillerWhite House deputy chief of staff and chief of staff designate, in a post on XDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Miller opens by calling Trump "the most transformative political leader in American History" and saying he has saved America from those who would destroy it.
"It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have served on his team from Day One, and I am honored beyond words to serve as his White House Chief of Staff."
Defended or excusedCase context: Trump names Stephen Miller chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles; Vance praises the choice, Tillis and Democratic leaders condemn it
Full statement and sources
Miller calls Trump the most transformative political leader in American history, says he is honored to serve as chief of staff, thanks Wiles for her service and friendship, and says the mission is to fight to support the president.
After the statement
He thanks "the incomparable Susie Wiles" for her service and friendship and writes: "The mission now is more clear than ever: Fight with all of our soul to support our President and defend this magnificent Republic."
Stephen Miller says he is honored to serve as White House chief of staffOriginal post, 4:23 p.m. EasternWhy this label?
The reference point is Trump's decision to name Stephen Miller White House chief of staff in place of Susie Wiles. Miller accepts and embraces the appointment and describes the job as supporting the president, which backs the decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(14)
Original text
Trump's Truth Social post naming Stephen Miller White House chief of staff
Relevant passage: Full post, November 6, 2026, 1:51 p.m. EST
About this source
Trump announces that Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller will become White House chief of staff on Monday, November 9, 2026, and that Susie Wiles will move to his political operation. He calls Miller one of his most trusted advisers and says Wiles did an outstanding job.
- Author
- Donald J. Trump
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump says Stephen Miller to replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
CNBC reports the announcement days after Democrats won majorities in both chambers, Trump's remarks to reporters, praise from administration officials and Vance, and criticism from Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.
- Author
- Kevin Breuninger
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump says chief of staff Susie Wiles out, Stephen Miller will replace her
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
ABC News reports, citing sources, that Trump privately blamed Wiles for the midterm losses and that she then decided to resign. It reports reactions from Vance, Pete Hegseth, Sen. Thom Tillis and several Democrats.
- Author
- Michelle Stoddart
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump replaces Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff
Relevant passage: Full article, AP copy published by NBC4 Washington
About this source
The AP reports Trump's announcement, his remarks to reporters praising Miller, his later statement that the change was not because of the election, a person familiar's account that Wiles resigned on Thursday night, Wiles's post, and Rep. Robert Garcia's response.
- Author
- Seung Min Kim
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Tillis: Trump Appointing Stephen Miller Chief of Staff a 'Colossal Mistake'
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Breitbart prints a transcript of Tillis's remarks on CNN's The Lead, in which he calls Miller's appointment the worst of all possible choices and a colossal mistake.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Tillis on Trump making Stephen Miller WH chief of staff: 'the worst of all possible choices'
Sen. Thom Tillis reacts to Stephen Miller's appointment as White House chief of staff on CNN's The Lead, November 6, 2026.
DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: CNN. Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Full 1:25 video clip from The Lead with Jake Tapper)
About this source
Asked by Jake Tapper for his reaction to Miller's appointment, Tillis calls it the worst of all possible choices, ties the Republican losses to border and homeland security policy, and says the president needs to rethink the decision.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Ranking Member Robert Garcia Statement After Donald Trump Announces Stephen Miller as Chief of Staff
Relevant passage: Full statement
About this source
Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, says Trump is doubling down after the election, calls Miller the architect of unconstitutional ICE raids, and says Oversight Democrats will keep investigating him.
- Author
- Robert Garcia
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Hakeem Jeffries calls for Stephen Miller to be fired
About this source
The House Democratic leader calls Miller a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist and says he should be fired.
- Author
- Hakeem Jeffries
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Chuck Schumer says Trump couldn't have made a worse choice than Stephen Miller
About this source
The Senate Democratic leader says Trump learned nothing from the midterm results, calls Miller the architect of the administration's most inhumane policies, and says Democratic majorities will fight him.
- Author
- Chuck Schumer
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Steven Cheung praises Stephen Miller's appointment
About this source
The White House communications director describes Miller as an aide who has been with Trump from the start and the leading advocate of his agenda.
- Author
- Steven Cheung
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
JD Vance thanks Susie Wiles and congratulates Stephen Miller
About this source
The vice president thanks Wiles for her friendship and service and congratulates Miller on what he calls a well deserved promotion.
- Author
- JD Vance
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Stephen Miller says he is honored to serve as White House chief of staff
About this source
Miller praises Trump, says he is honored to serve as chief of staff, thanks Wiles for her service and friendship, and describes the mission ahead.
- Author
- Stephen Miller
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Susie Wiles says it is her last day as White House chief of staff
About this source
Wiles says November 6 is her last day as chief of staff, calls serving Trump the honor of a lifetime and says her commitment to the president and his mission will not change.
- Author
- Susie Wiles
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
President Trump Gaggles with Press Upon Departure from the White House, Nov. 6, 2026
Trump answers reporters' questions about Susie Wiles's departure and Stephen Miller's appointment as he leaves the White House for Florida, November 6, 2026.
Excerpt from 0:38 to 1:36 of the White House video. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: The White House. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: 0:38 to 1:35)
About this source
White House video of Trump speaking to reporters as he leaves for Florida. Asked about Susie Wiles's departure, he says Stephen Miller will be the new chief of staff, that he wanted to make a change, that Wiles did a very good job, and that Miller will do a great job.
- Author
- The White House
- Published
- Accessed
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- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Trump names Stephen Miller chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles; Vance praises the choice, Tillis and Democratic leaders condemn it
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/stephen-miller-white-house-chief-of-staff-susie-wiles
The Dispute Index. "Trump names Stephen Miller chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles; Vance praises the choice, Tillis and Democratic leaders condemn it". First published: 2026-11-07. Last updated: 2026-11-07. https://disputeindex.com/cases/stephen-miller-white-house-chief-of-staff-susie-wiles