President Donald Trump has made his first major personnel move following the Republican Party's devastating midterm defeat, replacing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller in a shake-up that raises fresh questions about who could be next to leave his administration. Trump announced Friday on Truth Social that Miller, currently the administration's deputy chief of staff and one of the president's closest advisers, would take over as chief of staff beginning Monday. Wiles, meanwhile, will move to Trump's political operation.
"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 wrote. "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!" The announcement marks a significant change in the administration's leadership just days after Republicans suffered an unprecedented midterm defeat, with Democrats preparing to take control of both chambers of Congress. It also raises questions about the direction of Trump's administration under Miller, an influential conservative strategist who has been closely involved in some of the president's most consequential domestic policy decisions, particularly immigration. The personnel questions extend well beyond the chief of staff's office.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is facing renewed speculation about his political future and a possible 2028 presidential campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under pressure amid questions about the administration's Iran policy, and is facing articles of impeachment when lawmakers return to Congress next week. Even Vice President JD Vance has begun publicly distinguishing himself from the president over the war.
FBI Director Kash Patel, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are also among the figures worth watching as the administration enters a politically difficult period. Trump had initially insisted that he did not intend to undertake a broader Cabinet shake-up following the midterm results. In an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Tuesday night, the president was asked directly whether he planned to make changes to his Cabinet following the Republican losses.
Had nothing to do with my Cabinet," Trump responded. Newsweek contacted the White House on Thursday to ask whether Trump intended to review positions within his senior White House staff and Cabinet following the midterm results. We also asked whether the president continued to have complete confidence in Wiles and whether she was expected to remain as chief of staff.
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