In the weeks following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, one senior advisor has emerged as one of the most powerful figures shaping policy: Stephen Miller. Now serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Miller wields immense influence over immigration, government restructuring, and executive actions—far beyond what his title suggests.
Miller’s Central Role in the Trump Administration
Nearly every day, Miller meets with President Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to map out a bold and aggressive agenda, dramatically reshaping federal governance. His role extends beyond policy advising—he is a key architect behind the administration’s strategy to consolidate executive power and push through major changes without congressional approval.
“The American people voted for dramatic change implemented by Donald Trump,” Miller told CNN. “So, it is essential for him to get control of government.”
This vision has translated into a sweeping effort to restructure federal agencies, roll back key Democratic policies, and maximize executive authority, often facing immediate legal challenges.
A Mastermind of Immigration Policy
Miller’s career has been defined by his hardline stance on immigration. Now, he has direct oversight of the administration’s enforcement policies. He leads a daily call with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and other officials to monitor immigration enforcement efforts. Under his guidance, the administration is rolling out stricter border policies, enhanced deportation efforts, and challenges to birthright citizenship.
Miller was also a major force behind Trump’s border security executive orders, some of which have already been contested in federal courts.
Collaboration with Elon Musk and Government Restructuring
Beyond immigration, Miller has expanded his portfolio by working closely with Elon Musk, who heads the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This newly established federal department aims to drastically reduce government size and spending by eliminating bureaucratic redundancies.
Miller and Musk share a vision of limiting what they see as “deep state” interference in policy execution. His wife now serves as a spokeswoman for DOGE, reinforcing his connection to Musk’s mission.
“Either Donald Trump gets political control over this government and ends the waste, abuse, and fraud on the American people, or we let bureaucrats autopilot federal spending,” Miller declared.
Miller’s Expanding Power in the White House
Unlike many top Trump officials, Miller has consistently maintained a close relationship with the president. He was one of the few advisers to serve throughout Trump’s first term and has returned with even greater influence in his second administration.
- Miller now has direct access to lawmakers, working behind the scenes on Capitol Hill to advance Trump’s policy priorities.
- His organization, America First Legal Foundation, continues to file lawsuits challenging Democratic policies and has become a key force in conservative legal battles.
- His role in drafting and coordinating executive orders gives him more power than most Senate-confirmed officials.
Challenges and Criticism
While Miller’s first term in the Trump White House was marked by fierce Democratic opposition, the backlash in Trump’s second administration has largely been directed at Elon Musk’s DOGE rather than Miller himself.
His first tenure saw more than 80 Democratic lawmakers calling for his resignation, particularly due to his strict immigration policies. However, this time around, his influence has been more quietly entrenched, positioning him as one of the most powerful figures in Washington.
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What’s Next?
Miller’s increasing role in both White House policy and government restructuring efforts suggests that his influence will only grow as the Trump administration continues to push for aggressive policy shifts. Whether his strategies withstand legal scrutiny or public opposition remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Stephen Miller is shaping the future of Trump’s America more than ever before.