White House Swaps Chief for Hardliner

The White House named Stephen Miller as the new chief of staff on Friday, replacing Susie Wiles.

The personnel change occurred three days after Republican candidates lost ground in the midterm elections. President Donald Trump discussed the shift in political sentiment during an interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Ross Douthat. He stated that the administration's enforcement of immigration laws might have been too aggressive.

Trump specifically addressed the policy of targeting individuals who had resided in the United States for a decade or more. He acknowledged that this specific tactic may have been overly tough. The president noted that while the party performed well on securing the border and removing serious offenders, the strategy hurt the party's standing. He cited the removal of workers with good jobs and single violations as a contributing factor.

The recent vote showed a sharp drop in Republican support in regions with large Latino populations, including South Texas. These areas had trended toward the GOP in the previous cycle. Many voters there attributed their switch in allegiance to the intensified crackdown on immigration. Trump described the public opinion on the matter as divided. He said a large portion of the country favors removal, while another segment prefers to keep workers in fields like landscaping and hospitality.

Based on this split, Trump concluded the enforcement measures were likely too tough. He noted that a substantial number of people believe the approach has gone too far, even as many others think it is effective. The president expressed a desire to work with congressional Democrats on immigration. Democrats will control both the House and the Senate starting next year.

The appointment of Miller signals a continued commitment to strict enforcement despite the recent losses. Miller is known as a hardliner who supports the current policy direction. His selection follows a period where federal officials increased arrests and deportations within the interior. Detained individuals hit record highs under the new administration.

Miller previously aimed for a target of 3,000 arrests per day last year. The administration has maintained that its priority is to arrest the worst offenders first. It warned that anyone in the U.S. illegally is subject to arrest and deportation. Various tactics, including processing methods and relocation to third countries, have drawn scrutiny.

Polling data indicates that 58% of respondents believe the administration's actions on immigration have gone too far. However, when asked which party is better equipped to handle the issue, voters trust Republicans slightly more. Support levels stood at 43% for Republicans and 41% for Democrats. A representative from South Florida noted that many Hispanic voters who supported Trump in 2024 now feel betrayed.

The 2024 victory for Trump was partly driven by dissatisfaction with former President Joe Biden's policies. Specifically, voters cited the surge in unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Since Trump returned to office, illegal border crossings have declined. The administration continues to implement its enforcement plans under the new leadership structure.