Democrats up and down the aisle reacted negatively to President Donald Trump over his choice for next chief of staff.
Trump’s decision to elevate longtime trusted adviser Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff triggered immediate condemnation from Democratic leaders and praise from Trump allies.
Trump announced Friday that Miller, currently deputy chief of staff for policy, will replace outgoing chief of staff Susie Wiles beginning Monday.
“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 announced.
His promotion immediately produced intense criticism from Democrats preparing to assume congressional power.
Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer compared Miller to one of cinema’s most famous villains during an appearance on BBC Newsnight.
“Stephen Miller is probably the single darkest force – the Darth Vader of this country,” Beyer said.
“Stephen Miller is probably the single darkest force – the Darth Vader of this country”
Democratic Congressman Don Beyer reacts to news that President Trump has appointed Stephen Miller as his new White House Chief of Staff.
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) November 6, 2026
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of ignoring the message voters delivered in the midterms.
“Donald Trump learned nothing from his historic defeat,” Schumer said.
“Stephen Miller is the architect of the most barbaric, inhumane policies of this administration. Trump couldn’t have made a worse choice. Our Democratic majorities will fight him every step of the way,” Schumer continued.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued an even harsher response.
“Stephen Miller is a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands,” Jeffries said.
“His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, who is positioned to become House Oversight Committee chairman, directly warned Miller about investigations once Democrats take control.
“Stephen Miller should lawyer up,” Garcia said.
“Oversight Democrats will continue to investigate Miller for his misconduct, and we will fight against his hateful policies in Congress and the courts.”
The president said Wiles will move to his political operation after serving as the first female White House chief of staff.
“Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation,” Trump said.
The announcement came three days after Republicans lost control of Congress in the midterm elections, giving Democrats majorities in both chambers beginning in January.
Trump rejected suggestions that the personnel change represented a reaction to Tuesday’s losses.
He praised Miller as “very good politically” and emphasized their decade-long relationship.
“Stephen’s been with me from the beginning,” Trump said. “He gets it.”
Miller, 41, has served Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign and became one of the administration’s most influential architects of immigration policy.
He served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first administration before returning as deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser following Trump’s 2024 victory.
Miller has also advocated an expansive interpretation of presidential authority and played prominent roles in the administration’s domestic policy agenda.
Republicans and administration officials offered dramatically different assessments.
Vice President JD Vance called Miller “an amazing patriot” and predicted he “will do great things.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Miller and praised Wiles for her service.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described Miller as a “Trump OG” and one of the administration’s strongest advocates.
“There is no bigger advocate for the Trump agenda than Stephen, and he will help the Administration deliver on monumental victories for the rest of this historic second term,” Cheung said.
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Miller the “perfect choice.”
“No one is more loyal, more hardworking, or more in touch with the America First movement than Stephen,” Leavitt said.
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon offered another description, calling Miller “the ideological id of the MAGA movement.”
The White House also highlighted supportive reactions from Republican lawmakers, conservative commentators and former administration officials.
Miller now assumes one of Washington’s most powerful positions at a particularly consequential moment for Trump’s presidency.
Democratic congressional leaders are preparing investigations into immigration enforcement, administration officials, Trump family business activities and relationships between the government and private companies.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
