White House Considers Former Trump Adviser Jason Miller for Midterm Communications Role

White House officials are weighing former President Donald Trump adviser Jason Miller for a special-government-employee position that would shape messaging on the president’s record. Sources also say former Trump aide Johnny DeStefano will join as an unpaid special-government employee reporting to chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Newsmax (website)

President Trump has struggled to keep a unified message. The Iran conflict raised gas prices, and he rejected a bipartisan housing-affordability bill, calling it “a yawn.” The White House has shifted to labeling Democratic opponents as communists, matching the GOP’s midterm narrative.

CNN

Miller was a senior adviser and campaign spokesperson for Trump from 2015, participating in multiple Trump campaigns. After a lobbyist stint, he was named communications director in 2016 but stepped down amid extramarital-affair allegations. DeStefano, a former assistant and counselor to the president, is close to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and is described as “incredibly influential” with ties across the House, Senate and White House.

Newsmax (website)CNN

Adding Miller and DeStefano aims to tighten messaging before the midterms. Their campaign experience could align White House communications with the GOP’s strategy of portraying Democrats as the less favorable option.

Newsmax (website)

A senior White House official said Miller’s appointment is not yet finalized. One source called Miller “a hand that is trusted by the president,” noting his long-standing relationship with Trump. Another source described DeStefano as “incredibly influential” and a “huge asset” for the election strategy.

Newsmax (website)

Miller’s past controversy, including affair allegations that led him to decline a prior communications-director role, has drawn criticism. Observers question whether hiring him could affect public perception of the administration’s messaging.

Newsmax (website)

Sources differ on Miller’s duties. CNN says he would focus on messaging about presidential accomplishments; Newsmax says he would join without changing the communications team led by Steven Cheung and Karoline Leavitt. Both agree the appointment is not finalized and neither Miller nor DeStefano has commented.

Newsmax (website)

• “Jason is a hand that is trusted by the president, he respects him, he’s been around a long time,” — Unnamed source, CNN

CNN

• “Having people around him reinforcing correct political advice is always a good thing.” — Unnamed source, CNN

CNN

• “He is incredibly influential and has deep relationships that span the House, Senate and White House — he will be a huge asset,” — Unnamed source, CNN

CNN

The administration aims to finalize staffing decisions before the Labor-Day travel increase and the early-September Republican convention in Dallas. The outcome will shape the White House’s communication approach as the midterm elections draw nearer.

Newsmax (website)