Trump names Stephen Miller as chief of staff, ending Susie Wiles's tenure

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. The announcement arrived just days after the Republican Party lost its control of Congress in the midterm elections. This shift marks the end of Wiles's tenure, during which she served as the first woman to hold the position in the history of the office.

Miller, who currently holds the title of deputy chief of staff, is a longtime adviser to the president. He joined the Trump organization during the 2016 presidential campaign as a speechwriter. He has since become a central figure in the administration's hard-line immigration policies. Miller previously worked as an aide to former Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who served as the first attorney general in Trump's administration. The White House transition follows a pattern of frequent leadership changes, with Trump cycling through four different chiefs of staff during his first term.

Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday night, according to a person familiar with the conversation. On his social media platform, Trump praised her service and noted that she would continue working for his political organization. Wiles, 69, issued her own statement on Friday. She described serving in the White House as the honor of a lifetime. She expressed pride in achievements including securing the border, cutting taxes, and strengthening the economy. She stated that her commitment to the president and the mission remains unchanged.

Wiles built her reputation as a political operator known for bringing discipline to chaotic environments. She managed Trump's campaign in Florida in 2016 and 2020 before overseeing the entire 50-state effort in 2024. Trump has frequently credited her with leading his best-run campaign. Known for avoiding the spotlight, she declined to speak at the 2024 election night victory party despite the president's coaxing. She is the daughter of the late NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall and previously worked as a scheduler for President Ronald Reagan.

Her departure follows a period of public candor in late 2025. In interviews published by Vanity Fair, Wiles offered uncharacteristic assessments of her colleagues. She described Trump as having an alcoholic's personality, though he does not drink. She criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and called Vice President JD Vance a conspiracy theorist for about a decade. Trump and other aides defended her, while she characterized the coverage as a disingenuously framed hit piece.

Wiles also navigated a personal health battle during her time in office. She went public with a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer in March 2026. She underwent surgery and treatment while continuing to work. Six months later, she announced she was cancer-free after pathology results showed no evidence of the disease. In a recent interview, she credited her doctor with encouraging her to get a mammogram before it was scheduled, noting that early detection was critical to her outcome.

Before her role with Trump, Wiles ran the 2010 campaign for former Florida Governor Rick Scott and managed the 2012 presidential bid of former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. She spearheaded Ron DeSantis's successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign. A rift later developed between Wiles and DeSantis, contributing to a contentious dynamic during the 2024 Republican primary. She also worked as a lobbyist with Ballard Partners in Florida, representing clients such as General Motors and the city of Jacksonville.