Trump Elevates Stephen Miller to Chief of Staff, Signaling Confrontational Path

President Donald Trump has elevated loyalist Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff, signaling a plan to intensify confrontation in his final two years and resist outside political and economic pressures, according to officials and Republicans. The move follows a historic midterm rebuke for the party. Miller, 41, is seen as a combative ideologue with deep knowledge of power levers and unwavering loyalty to Trump, contrasting with outgoing chief Susie Wiles. He is expected to continue aggressive immigration crackdowns, amplify cultural conflicts, and rely heavily on executive orders rather than working with a Democratic-controlled Congress. Miller's appointment has unnerved corporate lobbyists and some Republican lawmakers, who view it as doubling down on a failed strategy. He opposes prolonging war with Iran but strongly supports Israel, potentially clashing with Trump, while wavering Republicans face pressure to stay in line amid Democratic-led investigations.