US President Donald Trump has faced fierce criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans over his decision to appoint Stephen Miller, the architect of his hardline immigration policy, as White House chief of staff, just days after the Republican Party suffered a major defeat in the midterm elections.
Trump announced the appointment on Friday on his Truth Social platform, confirming that Miller would replace Susie Wiles, whose departure from the position he also announced.
Miller, who previously served as Trump's deputy chief of staff, has been one of the most influential and controversial figures in the administration.
Democratic lawmakers condemned the move, arguing that the president's choice showed he had failed to recognize public dissatisfaction with his policies, reflected in the Republicans' electoral setback.
Dick Durbin, a Democratic senator from Illinois, described Miller as a "hatemonger," saying his promotion demonstrated that Trump had learned nothing from the defeat.
Chuck Schumer, who is expected to become Senate majority leader, said Trump had made the worst possible choice following what he called a historic electoral loss.
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, called Miller a "dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist" and demanded his dismissal.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland also criticized the appointment, describing it as another indication of Trump's disregard for voters.
Gavin Newsom, California's outgoing governor, called Miller one of the most objectionable figures to enter the White House, saying the decision was an insult to Americans who had voted for change.
Miller has played a central role in shaping Trump's immigration agenda, particularly the administration's mass deportation campaign.
He has also advocated controversial proposals such as ending birthright citizenship and suggested that the United States could take control of Greenland.
He was also involved in drafting Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint that has drawn widespread criticism from Democrats and civil rights advocates.
Despite the backlash, several senior Republicans and members of Trump's administration welcomed the appointment, praising Miller's loyalty and his role in advancing the president's agenda.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described him as one of Trump's most dedicated supporters.
Republican Senators Mike Lee of Utah and Eric Schmitt of Missouri also defended his record, arguing that his approach to immigration enforcement and law and order was what the country needed.
Vice President JD Vance, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly praised Miller.
However, the appointment was not universally welcomed within Republican ranks.
Indiana Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who had called for Miller's dismissal earlier in the week amid criticism of the administration's deportation drive, described the decision as "horrible" in comments to Semafor.
Miles Taylor, who served as chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security during Trump's first term, also warned of the consequences of Miller's promotion.
Having worked with him for two years, Taylor called the appointment one of the most dangerous personnel decisions in the country's history.
The White House rejected the criticism, describing Miller as a key figure in delivering Trump's agenda.
It credited him with leading immigration enforcement operations, a crime crackdown, deregulation efforts, energy initiatives, and measures to dismantle drug cartels and strengthen border security.
Miller, for his part, thanked Trump for the appointment, saying he was "honored beyond words" to take on the new role.
He pledged to devote himself to supporting the president and defending the United States.
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