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Welcome to logout: President Donald Trump is doubling down on his efforts after losing the midterm elections.
What happened? On Friday afternoon, Trump announced that longtime aide Stephen Miller would succeed Suzy Wells as White House chief of staff. In an article published in Truth Social, Trump said Miller would start working Monday, but the change appears to be effective more or less immediately — Wiles has already resigned.
Why change? Trump is reportedly angry over Republican losses in the midterm elections, which saw Democrats win votes up and down even in traditionally deep red areas of the country.
Trump told reporters on Friday that Wiles was “doing a great job.” But, he added, “We have to take action. Sometimes in life, you have to take action.”
What should I know about Miller? Miller currently serves as the White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. What’s more, he was the architect and driver of some of Trump’s most vicious immigration policies, including family separation (during Trump’s first term) and ICE’s current indiscriminate, militarized immigration enforcement operations.
He’s also an ally of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who must feel better about his job being put in jeopardy (although that won’t stop Hegseth from facing impeachment in the near future).
What does this mean for the Trump presidency? More of the same, turned up to 11. Miller is as hard-line as ever, and he will surely push Trump to be more aggressive on immigration and try to use the machinery of government to attack their common political enemies.
All of this will be deeply unpopular if Tuesday’s midterm results are any indication – but with just over two years left in the White House, there’s no reason to believe Mueller and Trump won’t try to push the limits of presidential power.
That’s it, it’s time to log off…
Let’s end the week on a high note with this piece from my colleague Christian Paz, who writes that “decency is key” for voters and Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. You can read it via the gift link here .
I also recommend the Smithsonian’s Cheetah camera if you prefer something lighter for your weekend getaway. Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!