Trump announces chief-of-staff Susie Wiles leaving, to be replaced by Stephen Miller

Donald Trump has axed his chief-of-staff Susie Wiles and replaced her with deputy Stephen Miller.

The US president announced the change in a post on Truth Social.

"I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff starting Monday, November 9, 2026," Trump said.

"Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation. I want to thank her for her service as Chief of Staff — She has done a great job!"

Wiles was seen as a moderating influence on the Trump administration.

Miller meanwhile has long been viewed as a hardliner on immigration known for his aggressive media appearances.

Miller has been credited with the expansion of ICE and its unpopular crackdown on migrants.

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Trump told reporters he "wanted to make a change". 

He added that Wiles had done a "great job".

"Sometimes in life you have to make moves," the president said. 

Wiles made a statement on X.

“Serving President Trump in the White House has been the honour of a lifetime. I’m so proud to have been a part of what we’ve accomplished together from securing our border and cutting taxes to strengthening our economy and putting America First,” she wrote.

"More than anything, I’m grateful for the extraordinary people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. While my role may be changing, my commitment to the President and the mission never will."

The change comes after the Republican Party faced the biggest electoral defeat in a midterm election since 1974.

Republicans lost seven seats in the Senate and are behind in two others.

In the House, Democrats picked up dozens of seats, including many which were considered safe for Republicans.

Democrats were scathing in their criticism of Miller's promotion.

“Trump is elevating a literal white supremacist who is the architect of his cruel, callous agenda,” Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said.

"The same agenda that the people overwhelmingly rejected at the ballot box."

Senator Angela Alsobrooks weighed in:

"Stephen Miller has masterminded the most hateful moments of this Admin," she said.

"Elevating someone defined by spite and division is a disaster for this country."

Hakeem Jeffries, who is likely to be the next Speaker, did not mince his words.

“Stephen Miller is a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands,” Jeffries said.

“His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumour. Fire him today.”

Wiles was the first female White House chief-of-staff in US history.

The role is the second most powerful in the White House below the president.

Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Wiles as well as Miller.

"Susie Wiles is one of the kindest and toughest people I've ever met," she said.

"President Trump made the perfect choice in naming my dear friend Stephen Miller to succeed her. No one is more loyal, more hardworking, or more in touch with the America First movement than Stephen."

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Rubio, Hegseth reportedly eye exits in the wake of midterm shellacking

Other senior members of the administration have also been rumoured to be eyeing the exits following the midterm drubbing.

That includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has denied reports he is planning on resigning ahead of a presidential run.

Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has been mentioned as a possible candidate to fill a soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat in Tennessee.