US Domestic — 2026-11-07

Trump Fires Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff, Replaces Her With Stephen Miller After Midterm Losses

BLUFMiller's elevation and Trump's on-record hint at "a few changes" make it likely that at least one Cabinet secretary is forced out by early December, with Defense Secretary Hegseth most exposed.

Trump announced on Truth Social Friday that Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff starting Monday, November 9, and that Wiles will move to the Trump political operation 12. Wiles submitted her resignation Thursday night 12; Axios, CNN and ABC cited sources saying Trump blamed her for Tuesday's midterm losses, while Trump told reporters the change was "not because of the election" 123. CNN reported Trump told CBS News he may make "a few changes" to his Cabinet 3. Rep. Robert Garcia said Miller "should lawyer up," and outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis called him "the worst of all possible choices" 23.

Analysis
Trump's "a few changes" remark to CBS, paired with Miller's elevation, points to a purge of officials tied to the Iran war and midterm strategy, with Defense Secretary Hegseth most vulnerable. Trump will likely announce the departure or replacement of at least one Cabinet-level secretary by December 7, 2026. Hegseth's public welcome of Miller may not protect him, since Wiles had pressed concerns about his Pentagon leadership for months. Miller's promotion signals continued hardline immigration enforcement and a confrontational stance toward incoming Democratic oversight committees. Confidence is moderate: Trump has said on the record he intends changes, but he named no targets, and the claim that he blamed Wiles traces to one cluster of outlets (Axios, CNN, ABC, Washington Post) relying on overlapping unnamed sources. The swap may instead satisfy his urge for a shake-up without further firings. If a secretary leaves, lame-duck Senate Republicans must decide whether to confirm a successor before January 3, and Iran-talks counterparts must adjust to new Pentagon leadership.

4 sources