President Donald Trump announced Friday that Susie Wiles will step down as White House chief of staff, marking a major leadership shake-up following Republican losses in the midterm elections. The president intends to replace the veteran strategist with longtime adviser Stephen Miller, effective Monday, November 9, 2026.
The transition follows a sweeping blue wave in the midterm elections that granted Democrats control of both chambers of Congress. While Trump praised Wiles’s performance, he said he wanted to make a change.
Stephen Miller to Assume Leadership on November 9
In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff, will take over the role at the start of next week. Wiles is expected to move to the Trump Political Operation.
Today is my last day as White House Chief of Staff. Serving President Trump in the White House has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m so proud to have been a part of what we’ve accomplished together from securing our border and cutting taxes to strengthening our economy and…
I think Susie’s done a very good job … Stephen’s been great and we’ve got to make moves.
Donald Trump, via Theguardian
Miller has been a central figure in the administration, having worked for Trump since the day he entered the White House in 2017. During Trump’s first term, Miller served as his top speechwriter. He is recognized as a key architect of the administration’s hard-line immigration policies.
Political observers suggest Miller’s elevation signals a more combative posture. One Trump adviser told Axios that the president requires a wartime adviser
to prepare for the investigations Democrats are expected to launch in Congress. Miller had previously warned that if Democrats won the midterms, it would be game over
for America.
Wiles Leaves After Historic Tenure
Wiles, 69, made history as the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. During her 21-month tenure, she was credited with providing stability and cohesion to the West Wing. She had managed Trump’s successful 2024 campaign before taking the post.
A source close to Wiles reported that she tendered her resignation on Thursday night. In a statement on X Friday afternoon, she reflected on her time in the West Wing.
Serving President Trump in the White House has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m so proud to have been a part of what we’ve accomplished together, from securing our border and cutting taxes to strengthening our economy and putting America first.
Susie Wiles, via X
Wiles’s departure comes after a personal health battle; she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2026 but announced in September that she was cancer-free. During her tenure, Trump had previously claimed, She’s going to be here for a long time.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered praise for her service, stating that she served our country with exceptional strength, devotion, and grace.
Personnel Exodus Following Midterm Losses
The change at the top of the White House hierarchy is part of a broader exodus of senior officials. Wiles’s departure leaves behind an overwhelmingly male leadership team following a steady exodus of senior female officials from the administration.
- Harmeet Dhillon: The head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division and a staunch Trump ally resigned just one day before the announcement of Wiles’s departure.
- Katie Zacharia: The White House press secretary was ousted only five days after taking the position.
- Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi: Both former high-ranking officials, specifically the former homeland security secretary and former attorney general, were dismissed.
- Tulsi Gabbard: The former director of national intelligence reportedly resigned under pressure.
- Karoline Leavitt: The former press secretary also left the administration in August.
- Kimberly Guilfoyle: The former US ambassador to Greece has also departed her post.
The Justice Department is also experiencing a major post-midterm personnel shakeup. These departures occur as Democrats are expected to use their new majority in Congress to investigate federal agencies, including the Justice Department.
Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old political aide, also remains a frequent presence by the president’s side; she has previously described Trump in letters as my guardian and protector.
