Trump’s Miller pick signals defiance, not strategy, insiders say

President Donald Trump replaced Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with hardline loyalist Stephen Miller, signaling defiance after the Republican Party's sweeping electoral defeat this week. The move came an hour after Trump endorsed RNC Chair Joe Gruters, who oversaw the party's historic losses. Democrats, including incoming House Oversight Chair Robert Garcia and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, condemned the appointment, saying Trump has "learned nothing" and is doubling down on rejected policies like ICE raids. However, GOP insiders told The Independent the move reflects presidential weakness and a desperation play to retain control of his shrinking political coalition. Miller, known for his single-minded focus on reducing non-white immigration, has been described by former colleagues as lacking people skills and prone to bullying. One staffer predicted disaster, saying Miller would "inspire zero loyalty" and cause "bad outcomes by overreaching on a daily basis."