Trump appoints Stephen Miller as new Chief of Staff
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has appointed his longtime advisor Stephen Miller as the new White House Chief of Staff. The decision comes after a disappointing midterm election for Trump's Republican Party, with Democrats set to take control of both the House and Senate in January. The 41-year-old Miller is known as one of Trump's most loyal supporters and is credited with architecting the president's mass deportation campaign.
Career trajectory
Early life and education
Miller started his career as a conservative activist at Santa Monica High School, where he opposed liberal school policies on local radio shows.
He later led the Duke Conservative Union at Duke University and defended three lacrosse players accused of rape.
After college, he moved to Washington, DC, working as a legislative aide to Republican Congress members and Republican Senator Jeff Sessions.
Policy influence
Miller's role in Trump's 1st presidential campaign
Miller joined Trump's first presidential campaign in January 2016 and helped shape the president's messaging.
After Trump's 2016 victory, he became a presidential advisor and speechwriter, playing a key role in shaping Trump's immigration policies.
He was accused by Democratic lawmakers of promoting white nationalist rhetoric after the Southern Poverty Law Center released emails allegedly showing his support for white nationalist websites.
Policy controversies
Immigration policies during Trump's presidency
Miller helped shape the Department of Justice's "Zero Tolerance" policy in 2018, which led to family separations at the US-Mexico border.
He also pushed to end DACA and supported a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.
In Trump's second term, Miller became deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor, continuing to push mass deportation efforts.
Foreign policy
Other controversial views and potential challenges for Miller
Miller has criticized pro-Palestinian voices like US Representative Rashida Tlaib, calling her "deeply anti-Semitic and deeply anti-American."
He unsuccessfully sought to end birthright citizenship and defended Trump's military actions in the Western Hemisphere.
The chief of staff role involves overseeing White House staff, advising the president on policy, and controlling information flows.
It remains unclear how Miller's appointment will affect his influence over Trump as he takes on this new role.