Bill O’Reilly says Stephen Miller ‘most powerful guy’ in Trump admin despite GOP discontent

Bill O’Reilly sees Stephen Miller’s aggressive immigration policies as key to Trump’s leadership approach
Bill O’Reilly highlighted Stephen Miller’s strong influence and consistent stance on key Trump administration policies (Screengrab/Bill O'Reilly/YouTube, Getty Images)
Bill O’Reilly highlighted Stephen Miller’s strong influence and consistent stance on key Trump administration policies (Screengrab/Bill O'Reilly/YouTube, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Political commentator Bill O’Reilly recently made a striking claim about White House dynamics, naming Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller as the most powerful figure in the administration.

His remarks come at a time when internal tensions and criticisms surrounding Miller’s influence are surfacing. The discussion highlights both praise and concern regarding his role, revealing deeper divisions within Trump’s inner circle.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to the media outside the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Miller spoke out against the recent court ruling that blocked the Trump administration's attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Stephen Miller speaks to the media outside the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Bill O’Reilly and Mick Mulvaney on Stephen Miller’s influence

O’Reilly praised Miller on his YouTube channel on Sunday, March 29, calling him the “most powerful guy in the White House” during an interview with former White House Chief of Staff Mulvaney. 

The discussion centered on President Donald Trump’s leadership style and his tendency to select “sycophants,” especially during his first term when cabinet members often interfered in decision-making. O’Reilly noted that Miller does not fit this mold, emphasizing that he is “more militant about everything” than Trump himself, particularly on issues like deporting illegal immigrants.

Mulvaney agreed with this assessment, highlighting Miller’s consistency and strong stance on immigration policy. He further stated that Miller has remained “just as adamant and militant” as he was during first term.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from West Palm Beach, Fla., to Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from West Palm Beach to Joint Base Andrews, Sunday, March 29, 2026 (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Mulvaney continued, "I think one of the differences is that Trump really did latch on to immigration as one of the key issues in the 2024 election." He also reinforced Miller’s importance by agreeing that he “still has the president’s ear."

Mulvaney also pointed to the Trump administration’s success in border control, saying, "they have fixed the fundamental underlying issue of the security of the southern border when you talk about but it got him elected," a view that O’Reilly agreed with.

MATAMOROS, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 23: Mexican deportees walk across the U.S.-Mexico border bridge while b
Mexican deportees walk across the US-Mexico border bridge while being released by US immigration authorities into Mexico on February 23, 2021 in Matamoros, Mexico (John Moore/Getty Images)

Criticism and internal frustrations over Stephen Miller’s role

Despite O’Reilly and Mulvaney’s praise, reports indicate growing frustration among Trump insiders regarding Miller’s influence. A report from the Daily Mail revealed that some insiders view him as a “puppet master” who exerts excessive control within the administration.

According to the report, Miller allegedly worked to “undermine” recently ousted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and has taken on an outsized role in decision-making. One insider reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that Miller “needs to be fired.”

Additional criticism came from Senator Thom Tillis, who voiced unease about Miller’s influence during an interview with Jake Tapper. 

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 16:  Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) asks a question during a Judiciary Committee hear
Thom Tillis asks a question during a Judiciary Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on June 16, 2020 in Washington, DC (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)

Tillis remarked that it gives him “pause” that Miller appears to be “calling the shots.” He cited multiple instances where Miller’s actions or statements allegedly caused embarrassment for the president, accusing him of “speaking first and thinking later.”

Despite these complaints, Trump appears to maintain a positive relationship with Miller. He responded positively to Miller’s praise during a roundtable discussion in New Orleans last week, where he said Trump had worked a “national miracle” on crime.

He appeared to enjoy the remarks so much that he immediately challenged FBI Director Kash Patel to top them. Trump quipped, “See if you can top that! I don’t know, that’s a tough one, Kash.”

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