Who Is Stephen Miller? A Potential Successor to Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor
Stephen Miller: The Architect of Trump's Nationalist Agenda
Stephen Miller, born on August 23, 1985, in Santa Monica, California, is a prominent American political advisor known for his hardline stances on immigration and national security.
As of 2025, he serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Advisor in Donald Trump's administration and is considered a leading candidate for the position of National Security Advisor.
Read more: Who is Mike Waltz: A Green Beret to National Security Advisor
 |
| Trump aide Stephen Miller tipped to replace Mike Waltz as national security advisor |
Early Life and Education
Raised in a politically liberal Jewish family, Miller is the second of three children born to Michael D. Miller, a real estate investor, and Miriam Glosser. His maternal ancestors immigrated to the United States from the Russian Empire in the early 20th century.
Miller's political transformation began in high school after reading Guns, Crime, and Freedom by NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre. He became an outspoken conservative, frequently appearing on talk radio and writing columns criticizing his school's liberal policies.
He graduated from Duke University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. At Duke, Miller was active in conservative circles, serving as president of the Duke chapter of Students for Academic Freedom and writing for the student newspaper.
Political Career
Miller began his political career as a press secretary for U.S. Representatives Michele Bachmann and John Shadegg. In 2009, he became the communications director for Senator Jeff Sessions, where he played a significant role in shaping Sessions' hardline immigration policies.
In January 2016, Miller joined Donald Trump's presidential campaign as a senior policy advisor. He quickly became one of Trump's most trusted aides, crafting key speeches and shaping the campaign's nationalist and anti-immigration platform.
During Trump's first term, Miller served as Senior Advisor for Policy and White House Director of Speechwriting. He was instrumental in developing and implementing controversial policies such as the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, the "zero tolerance" immigration policy leading to family separations at the border, and efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
America First Legal
After Trump's first term, Miller founded America First Legal (AFL), a conservative legal organization aimed at challenging progressive policies and promoting Trump's agenda through litigation. AFL has filed numerous lawsuits against policies it deems as discriminatory against white Americans and has become a central hub for the Trumpist legal movement.
Personal Life
Stephen Miller married Katie Rose Waldman on February 16, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Katie Miller is also a political advisor who served as the communications director for Vice President Mike Pence. The couple has three children.
Read more: Who is Stephen Miller (Trump Cabinet): Biography, Personal Life, Career, and Net Worth
Net Worth
Estimates of Miller's net worth vary, with figures ranging from $200,000 to $1 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his government salary, consulting fees, and potential investments.
Potential as National Security Advisor
Miller's close alignment with Trump's "America First" ideology and his extensive experience in shaping national policy make him a strong candidate for the role of National Security Advisor. His appointment would signal a continued emphasis on nationalist policies, strict immigration control, and a skeptical approach to international alliances.
While his supporters praise his unwavering commitment to national security and sovereignty, critics argue that his policies are divisive and undermine America's global standing. Regardless, Miller's influence within the Trump administration remains significant, and his potential elevation to National Security Advisor would further solidify his role in shaping U.S. policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Who is Stephen Miller?
Stephen Miller is a political advisor best known for his role in shaping immigration and national security policy during Donald Trump’s presidency.
What is Stephen Miller’s background?
Born in 1985 in Santa Monica, California, Miller studied political science at Duke University and began his career as an aide to Republican lawmakers.
What policies did Stephen Miller help create?
He was instrumental in the travel ban, family separation policy, and other immigration crackdowns during the Trump administration.
Is Stephen Miller married?
Yes, he is married to Katie Miller, a former communications director for Vice President Mike Pence. They have three children.
What is America First Legal?
America First Legal is a conservative legal group founded by Miller to challenge progressive policies in court and continue Trump's agenda.
How much is Stephen Miller worth?
Estimates place his net worth between $200,000 and $1 million, primarily from his government service and political consulting.
Could Stephen Miller become National Security Advisor?
Yes. He is considered a top contender to succeed Mike Waltz, reflecting a potential shift toward nationalist policies in the next administration.
 Mike Waltz-Gmail Scandal: Did Trump’s Advisor Share Sensitive Info Over Unsecured Email? National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is under fire for using Gmail to discuss sensitive military matters. Here's what we know about the scandal, past security ... |
 Who Is Nadine Menendez? The Rise and Fall of a Political Spouse Turned Convicted Felon Nadine Menendez, wife of ex-Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted in a sweeping bribery scheme involving cash, gold, and foreign influence. Here's her full story, from ... |
 Who Is Josh Fitzpatrick? Former TV Meteorologist Arrested for Alleged Sex Tape Extortion In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Josh Fitzpatrick’s arrest, the charges, his career history, personal background, and the broader ... |
