Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) on Sunday criticized President Trump's decision to elevate Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff, calling the move a misstep in the wake of the Republican Party's bruising midterm losses.
Speaking on CNN's "Inside Politics" with Manu Raju, Stutzman invoked his business background to argue that the GOP's electoral shellacking should have prompted firings, not promotions. "I come from the business world, just like President Trump does. And you know what? If your team takes a beating as badly as we took this last week, you have to fire people," Stutzman said. "You don't promote those who were in charge of what was supposed to be delivered."
The Indiana Republican didn't stop there, adding, "I think that the decision to elect Stephen Miller is a mistake. He's not liked out here in the Midwest by people, they don't like his tone."
Trump announced Friday that Susie Wiles would be leaving her post as chief of staff and that Miller, a longtime adviser, would take over. The president praised Wiles for her service and said she would move to the Trump Political Operation. "I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff starting Monday, November 9, 2026," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The shake-up comes after Democrats swept both the House and Senate in the midterms, a rebuke that has left Republicans scrambling to regroup. Trump's decision to promote Miller, a polarizing figure known for his hardline immigration stance, has only deepened internal divisions. As the party grapples with its losses, Trump is also facing pressure from within as he weighs a broader cabinet shake-up.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who is expected to become speaker next year, didn't mince words in his response. In a post on X, he called Miller "a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands" and demanded his immediate removal. "His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor. Fire him today," Jeffries wrote.
The controversy surrounding Miller's promotion adds to the challenges facing Trump as he prepares for a divided government. With Democrats set to control Congress, the White House is bracing for clashes on multiple fronts, including tariff policy and foreign policy. The president's upcoming 60 Minutes interview is expected to address the midterm fallout and his staffing decisions.
Stutzman's criticism is notable as it comes from a Republican lawmaker, underscoring the unease within the party over Trump's direction. While Stutzman stopped short of calling for Miller's outright rejection, his comments reflect broader concerns about the administration's tone and strategy after the electoral defeat.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on Stutzman's remarks. As Miller prepares to assume his new role on November 9, the debate over his appointment is likely to intensify, with Democrats vowing to hold the administration accountable and some Republicans questioning the wisdom of promoting a figure so closely associated with the party's recent setbacks.
