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Trump doubles down on everything that lost him the midterms
Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles, after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections. The appointment signals that Trump is turning to a close adviser associated with hardline policies, despite the results suggesting that his approach was unpopular with voters.
Miller, who was deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, helped shape family separation during Trump’s first term and current immigration enforcement. The article says he is likely to press for a more aggressive agenda on immigration and the use of government powers against political opponents. Wiles has resigned, and Miller’s appointment was announced as taking effect on Monday.
In short
- Trump named Stephen Miller chief of staff after Republican midterm losses.
- Miller helped shape Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
- The appointment points to a more aggressive approach.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Appointing a trusted adviser who shares the president’s priorities could make the administration more coherent and help it carry out the agenda voters elected it to pursue. Supporters may argue that a hard line on immigration and a forceful use of executive authority are legitimate responses to public concerns, and that one election result does not settle the merits of those policies.
The case against
After substantial midterm losses, elevating an adviser closely associated with divisive policies risks signalling that the administration is dismissing voters’ concerns rather than reconsidering its approach. Critics may also worry that more aggressive immigration enforcement and the use of government powers against political opponents could harm affected people, deepen polarisation and weaken safeguards against executive overreach.