Stephen Miller has pledged complete loyalty to Donald Trump after being appointed White House Chief of Staff, delivering his first public speech since the promotion while receiving strong backing from members of the president’s cabinet.
Miller addressed supporters at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Friday, promising to devote himself to Trump’s success as Republicans celebrated his appointment.
The announcement has also triggered fierce criticism from Democrats, who have accused the incoming chief of staff of promoting the administration’s most controversial policies.
Miller Declares Trump Saved America
Speaking at the gathering, Miller reflected on joining Trump’s political movement in 2015, when the president first launched his campaign for the White House.
He described serving alongside Trump as the privilege of a lifetime and credited the president with preventing what he characterised as the destruction of the United States.
‘If it was not for President Trump, the United States of America would not exist right now,’ Miller told the audience.
He praised Trump’s record on the economy, military and border security, claiming the president had protected the country from threats both domestically and internationally.
Miller also recalled the assassination attempts against Trump and the legal challenges he faced during his political career.
‘This man took a bullet for us, he faced down life in prison for us, he saved the Republican party from the ash heap of history and has made it stronger, more popular and more resilient than ever before,’ he said.
Incoming Chief of Staff Promises Absolute Loyalty
Miller urged Republicans to remain firmly behind Trump despite the party’s heavy losses in the midterm elections, which handed Democrats a major victory.
He called on supporters to stand by the president, declaring that Trump’s commitment to them deserved the same level of loyalty in return.
‘It is the honor of my life time to be President Trump’s chief of staff and I promise to you Mr President, my absolute loyalty, my unwavering commitment and total devotion to your success and the success of this country,’ Miller said.
He concluded his remarks by thanking Trump and shaking hands with the president.
Cabinet Members Celebrate Miller’s Promotion
Several senior administration figures publicly welcomed Miller’s appointment, including Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who used a controversial political slogan in his message of support.
‘Next to me, Stephen Miller is the strongest MAHA supporter in the administration. It’s time to unleash the Kraken,’ Kennedy wrote on social media.
The phrase ‘Unleash the Kraken’ became widely associated with far-right rhetoric in 2021 after streamer Anthime ‘Baked Alaska’ Gionet used it while encouraging Trump supporters to enter the Capitol on January 6.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also congratulated Miller and pledged support from his department.
‘Huge CONGRATS to @StephenM — a true patriot and America First fighter. He never backs down — and the @DeptofWar is right there with him,’ Hegseth wrote.
Vice President JD Vance described Miller as an ‘amazing patriot’, adding that he expected him to accomplish great things in the position.
Vance also called the appointment well deserved.
Democrats Launch Fierce Attack Over Appointment
Miller’s elevation has attracted strong opposition from Democratic politicians and liberal commentators, particularly because of his role in shaping Trump’s immigration policies.
Commentator Krystal Ball criticised the decision, describing it as a direct rejection of voters who had opposed the administration’s policies.
‘Trump making Stephen Miller Chief of Staff is a giant FU to the entire country that just voted against their barbarism, cruelty and hate,’ she wrote.
Ball also argued that the appointment demonstrated Trump’s unwillingness to moderate his approach or cooperate with Democrats.
California Governor Gavin Newsom similarly condemned the decision, calling Miller a ‘vile thug’.
Newsom accused him of developing the administration’s mass deportation programme, which he said had separated families and violated civil rights.
‘Miller cooked up the sadistic mass deportation regime that ripped apart families and trampled basic civil rights. Innocent people are dead because of him.
Voters rejected his cruelty and extremism. This is sick,’ Newsom wrote.
Congressman Robert Garcia also directed a warning at the incoming chief of staff, saying Miller ‘should lawyer up’.
Garcia has previously promised to investigate members of the Trump administration.
Trump Defends Decision to Promote Trusted Adviser
Trump defended his decision to elevate Miller while travelling to Mar-a-Lago on Friday, responding to questions about his reputation as the president’s ‘wartime consigliere’.
The president described Miller as a committed supporter who had remained alongside him since the beginning of his political career.
‘He’s a great fighter. He’s been with me right from the beginning… He’s very loyal… He has been an MVP every year,’ Trump said.
Earlier on Friday, Trump formally announced the appointment on Truth Social, confirming that Miller would assume the chief of staff position on Monday, November 9, 2026.
‘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,’ he wrote.
He also announced that Susie Wiles, who had occupied the position, would move to the Trump Political Operation.
Susie Wiles Announces Departure After Midterm Defeat
Trump praised Wiles for her service, describing her performance as outstanding and thanking her for her work as chief of staff.
However, the president acknowledged that he wanted to make changes within his administration.
‘I wanted to make a change. I think Susie’s done a very good job, great job, but … we gotta make moves. Sometimes in life, you have to make moves,’ he told reporters.
His explanation differed from information provided by a senior White House official, who told the Daily Mail that Wiles had submitted her resignation the previous night.
The personnel change came just days after Democrats secured a major victory in the midterm elections, dealing a substantial blow to Trump and the Republican Party.
The scale of the Democratic gains raised the possibility of Republicans losing their congressional majority for much of the next decade.
The Daily Mail had previously reported in June that Wiles was quietly preparing to leave her position after the midterm elections, although the White House denied the report at the time.
Wiles Issues Farewell Statement
Wiles confirmed her departure in a statement published on X shortly after Trump’s announcement.
‘Today is my last day as White House Chief of Staff,’ she wrote.
She described serving in the administration as the honour of a lifetime and highlighted the government’s work on border security, tax reductions, economic policy and the America First agenda.
Wiles also expressed gratitude to the people she had worked alongside during her time in the White House.
In his own statement, Miller thanked Wiles for her service and friendship, describing her contribution to Trump and the country as invaluable.
‘It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have served on his team from Day One, and I am honored beyond words to serve as his White House Chief of Staff,’ Miller wrote.
He added that his priority would be supporting Trump and defending the country.
Wiles, who has been associated with Trump since his 2016 presidential campaign, was the longest-serving Republican White House chief of staff.
