President Donald Trump has made a major change to his White House leadership, removing one of his closest advisers, Susie Wiles, from her position as chief of staff and selecting Stephen Miller to take over the influential role. The announcement comes at a difficult moment for the administration, following a series of significant Republican defeats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump revealed the decision on Friday through a post on Truth Social, praising Wiles for her work while confirming that she would move into a different position within his political operation. Miller, who currently serves as deputy chief of staff, is expected to officially assume his new responsibilities on Monday.
The announcement marks a significant shift inside the administration, particularly because Wiles had been regarded as one of the most influential people in Trump’s inner circle.
In announcing the leadership change, Trump made a point of recognizing Wiles’ contribution to his administration, describing her performance as an “extraordinary job.”
Rather than leaving his political team entirely, Wiles will transition to the “Trump Political Operation,” where she is expected to continue working alongside the president in a different capacity.
Her departure from the chief of staff position comes as the administration faces growing political pressure following the midterm elections. Republicans suffered substantial losses in 2026, including losing control of both chambers of Congress.
According to a U.S. official, Wiles submitted her resignation to Trump on Thursday evening. Three sources also told CBS News that her departure was connected to the disappointing election results for Republicans.
Although the administration has publicly emphasized her contributions, the timing of the announcement has drawn attention to the political difficulties facing the White House.
Wiles also released a statement reflecting on her time working for Trump, describing the experience as the “honor of her life.”
She expressed pride in what the administration had accomplished, pointing to several of the president’s central political priorities.
“Being part of President Trump’s team has been the honor of my life,” she said.
“I am so proud to have been a part of what we have accomplished together, from securing the border and lowering taxes, to strengthening our economy and putting America first. While my role may change, my commitment to the President and the mission will never waver,” Wiles added.
Her comments made clear that, despite stepping away from one of the administration’s most powerful positions, she intends to remain involved in Trump’s political efforts.
Trump Previously Dismissed Suggestions That Wiles Could Be Replaced
The decision is particularly noteworthy because Trump had publicly rejected speculation about Wiles leaving her position just last month.
At the time, he was asked whether she could soon be replaced as chief of staff. The president dismissed the possibility, making it sound as though her position was secure for the foreseeable future.
“Zero chance. Susie is here and will stay here for a long time,” Trump said.
That response made Friday’s announcement all the more unexpected, especially given Wiles’ reputation as one of the president’s most trusted advisers.
She played an important role in Trump’s political operation and was widely considered a key figure in managing the administration’s priorities and maintaining coordination within the White House.
Her influence extended beyond the traditional responsibilities associated with her position, making her one of the most recognizable members of Trump’s inner circle.
The change now raises questions about how the administration will approach its remaining political challenges and whether Miller’s appointment signals a shift in the president’s strategy.
Stephen Miller Takes Over as White House Chief of Staff
Trump has selected Stephen Miller to replace Wiles, bringing another longtime ally into one of the most important positions in the federal government.
Miller currently serves as deputy chief of staff and is widely known for helping shape Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, particularly policies involving border enforcement and deportations.
His influence within the Republican administration has been considerable, especially on issues involving immigration and national security.
He previously served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first presidential term and remained firmly aligned with the president even after Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.
Over the years, Miller has become one of the most consistent voices supporting Trump’s political agenda, making his appointment a significant development for the administration.
As chief of staff, he will take on a broader leadership role, overseeing important aspects of White House operations while helping coordinate the president’s priorities.
His appointment also places a familiar and influential figure in charge at a time when Trump faces growing political challenges following the Republican setbacks in Congress.
Other Trump Administration Officials Also Reportedly Leaving
Wiles is not the only senior figure whose departure has been reported following the disappointing midterm results.
Several other administration officials have also been linked to changes within the federal government, suggesting that the political consequences of the elections could extend beyond the White House’s top leadership.
Among those reportedly leaving is John Eisenberg, who leads the National Security Division at the Department of Justice.
Another name mentioned is Jason Reding Quiñones, who has been associated with investigations involving officials who examined Trump’s handling of classified documents.
