Katie Miller steps away from podcast after backlash over skipping Virginia midterm voting
WASHINGTON, DC: Political adviser Katie Miller is stepping away from her podcast after President Donald Trump named her husband, Stephen Miller, as the White House's new chief of staff. Her announcement on November 8 comes days after her comments about busy mothers and low Republican turnout during the 2026 midterms drew criticism.
Katie's decision to leave the podcast has also brought renewed attention to her election-night exchange, during which she admitted she did not vote in Virginia.
Katie Miller faces backlash over her midterm voting admission
During CBS News' election-night coverage on Tuesday, November 3, Katie discussed possible reasons behind Republican losses as Democrats regained control of the House and Senate.
She suggested that parenting responsibilities had kept some women from voting.
"You see that moms are too busy raising their children and taking care of them to go to the polls," she said.
Host Norah O'Donnell then asked whether Katie had voted. The mother of four admitted she had not participated in Virginia's election, explaining, "I did not vote in Virginia because in Virginia when you vote, you dox your own address and so I prefer my own safety and security over giving that up."
Her response drew criticism from social media users who questioned the contrast between her comments about busy mothers and her own reason for not voting.
Katie's explanation also brought attention to Virginia's voter information laws. Certain registration records, including residential addresses and voting participation histories, can be accessed by political parties, candidates and authorized organizations. However, the records do not reveal how someone voted.
The state also offers confidentiality protections for eligible residents with certain safety concerns. Katie did not say whether she had explored those options.
Katie Miller says she is stepping away from her podcast
On November 8, Katie announced that she would stop recording new episodes of ‘The Katie Miller Podcast’, also known as ‘The Conservative Mom’ Podcast. She said her husband's new role and her responsibilities as a mother had led to the decision.
"With @StephenM taking on this new role for President Trump, I've decided to stop recording new podcast episodes," she wrote in an X post.
"Nothing is more important than raising our four kids. While I've loved the podcast, the time commitment is too great and now is the time to step away," she added.
Katie said listeners could still expect two previously recorded episodes. Her podcast, launched in 2025, featured conversations with public figures including actress Cheryl Hines, Vice President JD Vance, rapper Nicki Minaj and former NBA star Tristan Thompson.
Stephen Miller takes over as Trump's chief of staff
Trump announced on November 6 that Stephen would replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, with the appointment taking effect on November 9.
"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," Trump wrote.
The president also praised his longtime adviser, saying, "Stephen's been with me since the beginning. He gets it," and calling him "a great manager."
Stephen previously served as deputy chief of staff for policy and Trump's homeland security adviser. In his new position, he will oversee daily White House operations, West Wing staff, key policy decisions and government appointments.
Wiles, who previously held the chief of staff position, will move to the Trump political operation. Stephen has also been a prominent figure in the administration's immigration policies.
Katie previously worked in the Trump administration before starting her podcast. She and Stephen have reportedly relocated to military housing following threats and protests near their residence.
