‘A Servant Class, Not a Working Class’: Stephen Miller’s Biographer on What Comes Next
President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miller, his longtime adviser and architect of the administration's immigration policies, as the new chief of staff following midterm elections that gave Democrats control of Congress.
With the midterm elections delivering a Democratic majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Miller will likely play a critical role in shaping the White House's agenda over the next two years. His appointment comes only days after an election some called an "extinction-level" event for Republicans.
Miller, whose titles until now were deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, has been a key figure in delivering on Trump's America First agenda. The White House highlighted his work on crime crackdowns, deregulation, energy policy, border security, and dismantling drug cartels.
Miller's Rise to Power
Journalist Jean Guerrero, who authored Miller's 2020 biography "Hatemonger," has extensively studied his background and political evolution. Guerrero became fascinated by Miller's journey from growing up in immigrant-rich Southern California communities to becoming a leading advocate for restrictive immigration policies.
Stephen Miller has had a disproportionate amount of power for a very long time. He's been so instrumental in so much of what Trump has done, starting from the first campaign to today.
Guerrero noted that Miller has always expanded his influence regardless of his official title. "I suspected that this was coming," she said, describing Miller as "the most effective sycophant in Trump's orbit, and has been his longest-lasting and most trusted adviser."
Controversial Immigration Policies
Trump's appointment of Miller comes amid growing controversy over his hardline immigration stance and recent ICE operations. Guerrero suggested Trump is turning to Miller to "get him out of this mess" by using anti-immigrant rhetoric to rally his base, though she doubts this strategy will work this time.
The journalist noted that many on the right are becoming uncomfortable with the violence associated with ICE's conduct, particularly the shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this year. Miller's response to this backlash remains uncertain, with possibilities he could either change tack or double down on his policies.
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