Following a crushing midterm election defeat on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff, prompting Vermont independent Senator Bernie Sanders to deliver a backhanded compliment calling the president erratic yet politically astute.
The Republican Party lost both chambers of Congress during the midterms, driven by voter concerns over issues like the economy and immigration, along with an Iran war that sent gas prices surging, according to polling data cited by The Independent.
Thirty-nine percent of voters cited the economy as their top issue, followed by 33 percent for democracy and 14 percent for immigration. In response to the electoral losses, Trump announced the departure of Susie Wiles and elevated Miller, the architect of his hardline immigration policies, to the chief of staff role.
Your new White House Chief of Staff, @StephenM. "The mission now is more clear than ever: Fight with all of our soul to support our President and defend this magnificent Republic." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/u27NDwMCPn
Sanders Assesses the White House Shakeup
Appearing on NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Sanders spoke with Kristen Welker about his progressive agenda, which includes pushing for a $20-per-hour minimum wage and universal healthcare. When questioned about Miller’s controversial promotion, Sanders offered a blunt evaluation of the president.
“I’ve said this before, Kristen, Trump…I personally believe he is mentally unbalanced, erratic, but he’s not stupid — and he’s a good politician,” Sanders told NBC News. The Vermont independent added that he is not worried about Miller taking the reins, suggesting that Trump might be open to raising the minimum wage when viewing global starvation wages.
"I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff starting Monday, November 9, 2026. Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving… pic.twitter.com/4VcFdAmHPN”
Do I think we can work with Trump?
Maybe.
I'm by no means guaranteeing it, but it is certainly worth the effort,
Sanders stated.
Contrasting Responses to Miller’s Elevation
While Sanders expressed a willingness to test legislative compromise, other political figures reacted with sharp alarm to Miller’s promotion. CNN reported that allies viewed the staff shakeup as a sign that Trump is doubling down on executive authority rather than softening his approach. Conversely, far-right commentators celebrated the move, with Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief Brent Scher calling Miller a wartime chief of staff
on social media.
The Los Angeles Times reported that immigrant advocates and congressional Democrats condemned the appointment. U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), slated to lead the House Oversight Committee, issued a statement on Friday warning that Miller should lawyer up
as incoming Democratic majorities prepare to use congressional oversight and the courts to block aggressive immigration crackdowns.
| Voter Issue | AP Voter Poll Share (%) |
|---|---|
| State of Democracy | 33% |
| Immigration | 14% |
| Healthcare | 8% |
Trump told Fox News that he could work with the incoming Democratic majority on select issues like immigration, while maintaining that he will readily utilize his veto power against legislation he opposes. They’re in control, but they’re really not in control because they can send over 50 different great bills that they’re all excited about, and I send them back with a nice stamp — veto,
Trump stated.
Stephen Miller is a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands. His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor. Fire him today.
President Trump is the most transformative political leader in American History — and he has single-handedly saved America from those who would destroy it. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have served on his team from Day One, and I am honored beyond words to serve…
