Trump Names Stephen Miller as Susie Wiles' White House Successor
The president replaced the first woman to hold the chief of staff role days after Democrats captured control of both chambers of Congress.
By Talia Bennett ·
Susie Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, will leave her post after President Donald Trump named immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as her successor. The president announced the change in a post on Truth Social on Friday, describing the move as a necessary adjustment to his leadership team.
Wiles reportedly submitted her resignation on Thursday night. In a statement, she called the position "the honor of a lifetime." She expressed pride in the administration's work, citing specific achievements such as securing the border, cutting taxes, and strengthening the economy.
Trump told reporters on Friday that he wanted to make a change. He noted that Wiles had done a very good job and that Miller had been great. The president stated that the administration had to make moves.
This departure follows a series of exits by senior female officials in the Trump administration. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia was removed just five days after starting the job. Former homeland security secretary Kristi Noem and former attorney general Pam Bondi were also dismissed in recent months.
Former national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard reportedly resigned under pressure. Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former US ambassador to Greece, also left her post. Wiles remained in her role despite a breast cancer diagnosis, announcing in September that she was cancer-free. Trump had previously claimed she would stay in the position for a long time.
The changes come immediately after Harmeet Dhillon, the head of the justice department's civil rights division, resigned. Other justice department officials, including assistant attorney general for national security John Eisenberg and attorney Jason Reding Quiñones, have also stepped down. Democrats now control both chambers of Congress and are expected to investigate federal agencies, including the justice department.
A small number of women remain in the Trump cabinet. Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins and Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler continue to serve. Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old political aide, remains a frequent presence at public events with the president.
