Washington D.C. – A prominent Republican senator has publicly criticized a key advisor to former President Donald Trump, calling for his removal from the administration. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina stated on Sunday that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller should “go,” asserting that Miller has been a “big problem” since the beginning of the Trump presidency. The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of the administration’s immigration policies and recent personnel changes within the Department of Homeland Security.
Tillis, speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, expressed concern over Miller’s influence on cabinet members, suggesting that qualified officials were being hampered by his direction. He argued that Miller prioritizes “form” over “substance” and wields an outsized influence within the administration. This criticism adds to a growing chorus of concern regarding the direction of immigration policy and the individuals shaping it.
The senator’s comments followed a discussion about the administration’s immigration crackdown and the recent replacement of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Markwayne Mullin. Tillis voiced support for Mullin’s appointment, expressing hope that he would be independent of Miller’s influence. Though, he acknowledged that Mullin has previously repeated inaccuracies regarding incidents involving federal agents, raising questions about his potential susceptibility to Miller’s guidance.
Tillis Details Concerns Over Miller’s Influence
According to Tillis, Miller’s impact extends beyond immigration policy, citing past instances where the advisor’s actions have caused embarrassment for the former president. “It was Stephen Miller who said it was the position of the United States that we should go after Greenland,” Tillis recalled, referencing a widely criticized proposal from the Trump administration. He further stated that Miller consistently “acts too quickly, speaking first and thinking later,” leading to repeated missteps. The Guardian reported on Tillis’s remarks Sunday.
Tillis, who is not seeking re-election this year, was the first Republican to publicly call for Noem’s resignation or removal. His willingness to openly criticize a key figure within the Trump administration underscores a growing rift within the party regarding the direction of policy and the individuals responsible for implementing it.
Democratic Leaders Demand Broader Changes
Even as Tillis expressed optimism about Mullin’s appointment, Democratic leaders are calling for more comprehensive reforms within the Department of Homeland Security. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, argued that simply replacing Noem is insufficient to address the systemic issues plaguing the agency.
“What we want is a situation where ICE is actually conducting itself like every other law enforcement agency in the country as opposed to using taxpayer dollars to brutalize or in some cases kill American citizens,” Jeffries stated. He emphasized the need for a “change in policy, not simply a change in personnel,” criticizing Noem’s tenure and calling for “dramatic, bold, meaningful and transformational changes to get ICE under control.”
Jeffries specifically criticized Noem’s characterization of American citizens as “domestic terrorists” without justification. This echoes concerns raised by civil rights groups and advocates who have accused the administration of employing overly aggressive tactics and violating due process rights.
What’s Next for DHS and Immigration Policy
The coming weeks will be critical as Markwayne Mullin assumes his role as Department of Homeland Security Secretary. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape and implement meaningful reforms will be closely watched. The extent to which he can assert independence from Stephen Miller’s influence will likely determine the future direction of immigration policy and the overall effectiveness of the department. The Daily Beast also covered the story, highlighting Tillis’s direct call for Miller’s resignation.
The debate over immigration policy and the role of key advisors like Stephen Miller is likely to continue, particularly as the political climate shifts and the 2028 election cycle approaches. The focus will remain on balancing national security concerns with the protection of civil liberties and the humane treatment of migrants.
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