Jonathan Swan, a White House reporter for The New York Times, dives into the dramatic resurgence of Stephen Miller in the Trump administration. He discusses Miller's deeply rooted anti-immigrant ideologies and his rapid ascent to replace deputy chief of staff. The conversation reveals the powerful impact of Miller’s policies, the complexities of immigration strategy, and the dynamics of power play within the White House. Swan also touches on Miller's past influences and the aggressive direction of future initiatives, particularly in relation to Trump's agenda.
Stephen Miller's ascent in the Trump administration reflects his longstanding anti-immigrant beliefs, shaping impactful executive orders that redefine American domestic policy.
His early experiences as a contrarian and his defense of controversial figures solidified his identity, influencing both his political stance and his rise to power.
Deep dives
Stephen Miller's Rise to Power
Stephen Miller's influence in the Trump administration has grown significantly since his return, positioning him as one of the most powerful unelected officials in America. Serving as Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy, Miller's authority over domestic policy is substantial, leading to a series of executive orders reflecting his long-standing beliefs. This includes orders concerning immigration and refugee admissions that align with Miller's populist nationalist vision, established throughout his career. His resurgence is marked by the execution of these ideas through high-impact policies that have the potential to reshape the American political landscape.
Miller's Early Ideological Roots
Miller's ideological foundations were laid early in his life, characterized by a strong anti-immigrant sentiment that was apparent even during his high school years. Growing up in a liberal environment in Santa Monica, he actively challenged prevailing beliefs, advocating for a traditional view of American culture and education. His provocative actions and statements, such as complaints about Spanish-language announcements and cultural festivals, revealed a consistent rejection of immigration as a positive force. These childhood convictions morphed into a political identity that would heavily influence his later work in Washington.
The Duke Lacrosse Incident's Impact
While at Duke University, Miller gained national attention by vocally defending the lacrosse team members accused of rape in a high-profile case that polarized the university and the country. His stance against what he perceived as unjust treatment by the faculty solidified his role as a contrarian figure on campus. This incident provided a platform for Miller to assert his beliefs against liberal ideologies, further shaping his reputation as an aggressive commentator. The experience affirmed his commitment to defending those he saw as wrongly accused, reinforcing his narrative of opposing the mainstream liberal positions.
Strategizing for a Second Term
After Trump's presidency, Miller strategically positioned himself to influence a potential second term by forming the nonprofit America First Legal, reminiscent of left-leaning legal groups. His unwavering loyalty to Trump became clear as he consistently defended his policies and criticized opponents during Trump's post-presidency period. Miller focused on building relationships within the Republican Party and among key donors to facilitate an expansive anti-immigration agenda. This dual approach of fostering connections and presenting a fully developed policy vision illustrates his preparation for reclaiming significant political power moving forward.
At the center of President Trump’s aggressive first week back in office is a 39-year-old adviser, Stephen Miller. His ideas and ideology have animated the blitz of executive orders.
Jonathan Swan, a White House reporter for The New York Times, explains Mr. Miller’s dramatic return to the White House, and why his power has never been greater.
Guests: Jonathan Swan, a White House reporter for The New York Times.
Mr. Miller, the incoming deputy chief of staff, told lawmakers that early action would include directives to give Mr. Trump more control over federal workers.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
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