Ex-Trump aide reveals Stephen Miller's 'secret weapon' that helped him become WH chief of staff

WASHINGTON, DC: Stephen Miller didn't just shape policy from a distance; he got right into the details. According to Miles Taylor, who worked at the Department of Homeland Security during Donald Trump's first term, Miller micromanaged government operations and obsessed over details that most people would ignore. His hands-on approach and unwavering loyalty to Trump made him one of Washington's most influential players.

Speaking on 'The News Agents' podcast, Taylor described Miller’s management style and explained how he maintained influence across different levels of government. Miller wouldn't just set direction from afar; he would show up at meetings at different agencies, call junior staff members himself and make sure everyone stayed in line with Trump's agenda, even if it meant ringing people late at night. Miller's influence has only grown. Last week, following the GOP's disappointing midterm results, he took over as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles.

Ex-official describes Stephen Miller as a 'ferocious micromanager'

Taylor said Miller's ability to understand the federal bureaucracy and intervene at different levels made him particularly effective inside the administration.

Explaining how Miller had his "tentacles" in every part of the government, no matter how niche, Taylor said, "That's something that made Stephen very formidable and very effective, is that he understands the government bureaucracy, and he is willing to jump down into meetings where they would never expect him."

"Think about the most junior staff at the most remote office in government," he said.

"Stephen was the type of person that would surprise them on their morning phone call and show up and say, 'This is Stephen Miller at the White House.'"

Miller didn't limit his requests to business hours either, according to Taylor. His involvement extended to regular late-night calls, putting pressure on staff members even outside their usual working hours.

"It sounds like if you're in the job that I was in, [there are] late-night phone calls every single weeknight to the point that your spouse starts asking you questions," the former aide added.

Stephen Miller takes over as Trump's new White House chief of staff

Miller was promoted to White House chief of staff last week, replacing GOP veteran Susie Wiles in the wake of Republicans' disappointing midterm election results.

Trump has placed one of his most loyal advisers in charge of running the White House. Miller has been associated with hardline anti-immigration and anti-communist views and has shaped several of Trump's major policy moves. He pushed to end birthright citizenship and backed crackdowns on universities accused of tolerating antisemitism.

Miller has also raised concerns about what he calls a "vast domestic terror movement," claiming left-wing groups are operating within the country. His appointment as chief of staff gives him an even more influential position in the administration, particularly given his history of directly intervening in government operations.

Taylor, who once described his own role in Trump’s first administration as part of a "quiet resistance," warned that Miller's unwavering loyalty could influence the kind of advice the president receives.

Unlike advisers who might challenge Trump behind closed doors, Miller has consistently stood by him, Taylor suggested. His willingness to intervene in government operations, combined with his loyalty to the president, could shape how decisions are made inside the White House.

For better or worse, Miller won't challenge Trump, he'll echo him.