By Tim Frazer
Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff and architect of hardline immigration policies, is emerging as a leading candidate to become the next national security adviser, according to five sources familiar with the matter cited by Axios. The speculation follows Trump’s decision on Thursday to reassign Mike Waltz to U.N. ambassador, leaving a critical vacancy in the White House. Miller’s potential appointment could amplify his influence, signaling Trump’s intent to entrust national security to a loyal aide with a polarizing record.
At 39, Stephen Miller has been a cornerstone of Trump’s inner circle for nearly a decade, shaping policies from the controversial 2018 family separation initiative to the administration’s current push for immediate deportations without court hearings. As Homeland Security adviser, Miller has streamlined the Homeland Security Council, with one White House source praising its efficiency, noting it runs “like clockwork” with a fraction of the National Security Council’s (NSC) staff. His organizational skill and unwavering loyalty align with Trump’s preference for a tight-knit team of trusted advisers.
The national security adviser role opened when Waltz was tapped for the U.N. post. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has temporarily assumed Waltz’s duties, but sources indicate Rubio’s primary focus remains the State Department. Miller, who has worked closely with Rubio on immigration, is viewed as a candidate to restore the adviser role to a staff-level position under the chief of staff, rather than a high-profile Cabinet seat, streamlining NSC operations.
Trump’s leadership style often involves piling responsibilities on loyal aides, and Miller fits this mold. “Marco and Stephen have worked really closely on immigration, and it might be a perfect match,” a White House source told Axios. Another insider highlighted Miller’s potential to refocus the NSC on policy coordination, citing his efficiency. One source suggested that “if Stephen wants the job, it’s hard to see why Trump wouldn’t say yes.”
However, Miller’s path to the role is not without obstacles. While one source noted he signaled interest on Thursday, another indicated he might hesitate if the position pulls him from his primary focus: immigration policy. Miller’s lack of traditional national security experience could also draw scrutiny, and his hardline immigration stance—marked by policies that sparked widespread debate—may complicate a role requiring diplomatic finesse. Still, supporters argue his policy acumen and alignment with Trump’s “America First” agenda outweigh these concerns.
The national security adviser shapes U.S. responses to global challenges and coordinates foreign policy. If Miller assumes the role, his emphasis on border security and counterterrorism could tilt the NSC toward a more inward-looking agenda, prioritizing domestic security over multilateral diplomacy. His partnership with Rubio suggests immigration will remain central to Trump’s national security framework, potentially influencing U.S. relations with neighboring countries.
Miller’s potential dual role as both Homeland Security and national security adviser would be ambitious but consistent with Trump’s tendency to consolidate power among key aides. Whether he takes the job or doubles down on immigration, Miller’s influence in the White House is set to grow.
The timeline for Trump’s decision remains unclear, as does Rubio’s interim tenure as national security adviser. For now, Miller’s candidacy reflects Trump’s reliance on aides who share his vision and deliver results. As the administration navigates its second term, Miller’s next steps will be a critical indicator of Trump’s national security and policy priorities.
