Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, pledges ‘total devotion’ to the president
Hardline aide offers ‘unwavering commitment’ to president amid fears White House will double down on far-right immigration agenda Stephen Miller, Donald Trump’s most controversial aide and the architect of his sweeping immigration crackdown, has lavished praise on the president after his appointment as White House chief of staff. In his first public remarks since the move was announced, Miller – who begins the role…
Key points
- Stephen Miller becomes White House chief of staff on Monday and pledged total devotion to Trump.
- His appointment follows Republican midterm losses, including seven Senate and 42 House seats.
- Democrats and some Republicans criticised the move, citing immigration and Hispanic voter alienation.
Stephen Miller, Donald Trump's incoming White House chief of staff, has pledged "total devotion" to the president in his first public remarks since the appointment was announced. Miller, described as the architect of Trump's immigration crackdown, begins the role on Monday.
The appointment came after Republicans suffered heavy losses in this week's US midterm elections. As of Saturday morning, Republicans had lost seven Senate seats and 42 House seats, and five governor races, with Alaska and Mississippi Senate races still uncalled.
Praise for the president
Speaking alongside Trump at an event on Friday evening, Miller said that without the president "the United States of America would not exist right now". He credited Trump with saving the military, the economy and the border, and said the president had saved the Republican party "from the ash heap of history".
Miller said it was the honour of his life to serve as chief of staff and swore "absolute loyalty" and "unwavering commitment" to Trump's success and the country's.
It is the honor of my life to be President Trump’s chief of staff, and I swear to you, and I pledge to you, Mr President, my absolute loyalty, my unwavering commitment, and my total devotion to your success and the success of this country.
— Stephen Miller
Reaction to the appointment
The move has been met with dismay by Democrats and some Republicans. Marlin Stutzman, the Republican congressman from Indiana, called it a "horrible decision" in comments to Politico.
Don Bacon, the outgoing Republican congressman from Nebraska, told CNN that Miller will "have an antagonistic relationship with many" and said he cost the party seats in Texas and Arizona by alienating Hispanic voters who backed Trump in 2024.
Trump told 60 Minutes he expects to make "a few changes" to his team and said he has confidence in defense secretary Pete Hegseth.
