Stephen Miller, a prominent figure from President Trump’s first term, is set to return to the White House in January, stepping into a senior policy role. Multiple sources confirmed Miller’s appointment as deputy chief of staff for policy, a position that will place him at the helm of implementing the administration’s hardline immigration agenda, which includes aggressive plans for deporting undocumented immigrants.
Vice President-elect JD Vance praised the selection, calling it “another fantastic pick by the president” in a post on X. The Trump transition team, however, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the appointment. CNN was the first to report on Miller’s expected return to the administration.
Vice President-elect JD Vance praises Miller’s return to the White House policy team
Miller, a key architect of Trump’s first-term immigration policies, played a central role in initiatives such as the family separation policy and the travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries. In his new role, he will collaborate closely with Susie Wiles, whom Trump recently appointed as his chief of staff.
During the Biden administration, Miller led America First Legal, a group that launched several legal challenges against Democratic policies. As Trump’s reelection campaign ramped up, Miller became a regular presence on the trail, emphasizing the need for stricter immigration enforcement and advocating for the deportation of undocumented individuals.
A portion of Trump’s initial agenda is expected to focus on immigration reform. In a related move, Trump announced former ICE Director Tom Homan would be appointed “border czar” in his administration.
Additionally, Trump has promised to sign an executive order on his first day in office to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, though this proposal is expected to face legal opposition.
Trump’s administration is likely to continue efforts to complete the southern border wall and potentially reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting their cases.
Miller is widely regarded as the driving force behind Trump’s most stringent immigration policies. Before working in the White House, Miller served as an aide to former Senator Jeff Sessions, who was one of Trump’s earliest and most vocal supporters in Congress.
While Sessions went on to become Attorney General, his relationship with Trump deteriorated after his decision to recuse himself from matters related to Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Despite the tensions with Senate Republicans, Miller remained a trusted ally of Trump, building strong connections with the president’s family and solidifying his role as one of Trump’s most influential advisors.
