Thom Tillis Calls for Stephen Miller's Departure from Trump's Inner Circle

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has publicly called for the removal of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller from President Donald Trump’s inner circle. In an interview on CNN’s "State of the Union," Tillis described Miller as “out of his depth” and criticized him for being “repeatedly responsible for embarrassments” within the administration. Tillis expressed his belief that Miller's focus is more on presentation than substance, stating, “Not only does Stephen really want to just paint a picture. He’s not worried about substance. He’s more worried about form.”

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Tillis further articulated concerns regarding Miller's significant influence over the operations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), suggesting that qualified Cabinet members may be hindered in their roles due to Miller's direction. He emphasized the need for a more data-driven approach to immigration policy, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

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The criticism comes as DHS Secretary Kristi Noem prepares to leave her position, with Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) poised to take her place. Tillis expressed confidence in Mullin, asserting that he would be “independent” and focused on data-driven decisions regarding Trump’s deportation agenda. This shift in leadership is seen as an opportunity to recalibrate the department's approach to immigration enforcement, which has faced scrutiny under Miller's influence.

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Tillis has previously criticized Miller and Noem for their comments regarding the fatal shooting of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, labeling their assertions as unlawful. He indicated that Mullin would utilize law enforcement resources effectively, referencing individuals like White House border czar Tom Homan to ensure proper implementation of immigration policies. Tillis stated, “And if he doesn’t, we’d hold him accountable,” highlighting his expectation for accountability in the new leadership.

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While Tillis's remarks reflect a faction within the Republican Party that seeks a more measured approach to immigration policy, Miller has long been a key figure in shaping Trump's hardline stance on immigration. Critics of Tillis's position may argue that his call for Miller's departure undermines the administration's commitment to strict immigration enforcement.

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• “Oh, of course I do.” — Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator

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• “But I also think that he has an outsized influence over the operations of the Cabinet,” — Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator

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• “But I have a lot of confidence in my friend, and I’m looking forward to him getting this department under control,” — Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator

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As the Trump administration navigates these internal dynamics, the future direction of immigration policy remains a critical issue, with potential implications for both the administration's effectiveness and its public perception.

The Hill