Two of Susie Wiles’ deputies could be out of a job as Stephen Miller takes over as President Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff, WIRED reported.
White House aides are bracing for more departures, according to the Friday report. James Blair, who put together the GOP’s midterm strategy, and fellow Wiles deputy Richard Walters are both “seen as vulnerable to being fired by Miller unless they resign first,” WIRED’s Hugo Lowell reported, citing sources.
“Miller had made his interest for the job known inside the West Wing for weeks, ever since Wiles weathered a series of negative stories before the midterms that suggested her job was at risk,” the report said.
Trump had also begun leaving Wiles out of some decisions in recent months, adding to the sense among her detractors that she was losing ground, according to WIRED.
After Republicans lost both chambers of Congress, Trump privately blamed Wiles for the party’s performance, two people familiar with the situation told the outlet. She submitted her resignation Thursday, and Trump announced Friday that Miller would take over Monday.
Trump also reportedly considered special envoy Steve Witkoff and director of national intelligence Jay Clayton.
But, according to WIRED, Trump ultimately settled on Miller “because of his zeal in defending the president and his deep loyalty.”