Who is Stephen Miller, the zealous adviser turning Trump’s vision into action

The White House deputy chief of staff learned from the 2020 election loss

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White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Photograph: Kevin Dietsch/Getty
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Photograph: Kevin Dietsch/Getty

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White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller is the most zealous supporter of the MAGA agenda. That much is expected from a Trump administration insider, but Miller is much more that a suit in the background.

He is the aide tasked with turning even the most vaguely thought-through policy announced by the US president into action – and he relishes the job.

To understand just why ICE is so brutally on the ground in American cities, its necessary to know Miller’s own tough stance on immigration.

Miller’s aggressive style has served up some of the administration’s most startling soundbites whether that’s on Greenland, tariffs, Europe or immigration.

He is not afraid to upset people as he ruthlessly implements Trump’s agenda.

 But who is Stephen Miller and how did he rise, as Trump says: “to the top of the White House totem pole”.

Today’s guest is Ashley Parker, a journalist with The Atlantic Magazine who has been following Miller’s career from Washington intern to hard-right Oval Office enforcer.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast

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