Trump Taps Stephen Miller For White House Deputy Chief of Staff to Lead Immigration Agenda

Donald Trump is reportedly set to bring back Stephen Miller as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy if he takes office, according to sources close to the campaign. Miller, a longtime Trump loyalist known for his strict stance on immigration, is expected to oversee policy development, especially around Trump’s aggressive plans to address undocumented immigration in the U.S.

Miller’s appointment would be a return to familiar territory. As one of Trump’s earliest advisors, he helped shape and advocate for some of the administration’s most divisive policies, including the “zero tolerance” immigration policy that led to family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. CNN initially reported the news, which seemed to be confirmed by Vice President-elect JD Vance, who praised the appointment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling Miller “another fantastic pick by the president.”

Following Trump’s first term, Miller went on to establish America First Legal, a nonprofit aimed at supporting conservative causes through litigation and advocacy, often positioned as a counterbalance to the American Civil Liberties Union. The organization has since become a legal force, launching numerous lawsuits in favor of conservative issues and against Democratic policies.

With Miller’s deep history in Trump’s orbit and reputation for hardline immigration positions, this selection is already drawing mixed reactions. However, because this role is not a cabinet position, it bypasses the need for Senate confirmation—allowing Miller to step directly into the role without congressional approval.

As Trump rallies his base leading into his 2024 campaign, Miller has taken on a familiar warm-up role, speaking at rallies and pushing for Trump’s vision of America. At a recent rally in Salem, Virginia, Miller’s speech touched on reclaiming a sense of national identity, telling supporters, “You can have your country back… We saved America; we saved this republic.”

While Miller’s appointment is seen by some as a continuation of Trump’s most polarizing policies, supporters argue that his firm stance is what will energize Trump’s vision for 2024.

Who is Stephen Miller? 

Stephen Miller, born August 23, 1985, is an American political advisor known for his far-right and anti-immigration views. He was a senior policy advisor and speechwriter for President Donald Trump, playing a central role in crafting Trump’s immigration policies, including the controversial family separation policy, travel bans, and refugee limitations. Previously, Miller served as communications director for Senator Jeff Sessions and worked with Representatives Michele Bachmann and John Shadegg.

Miller’s influence on Trump’s policies continued post-presidency through America First Legal, a conservative legal group he founded to challenge liberal policies. During the 2020 election, he advocated strict immigration reforms and supported Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud. His leaked emails to Breitbart, revealing ties to white nationalist ideas and publications, added to his divisive reputation. Miller is also known for his public debates, notably his exchanges on CNN where he defended Trump’s “America First” stance on immigration.