Updated on: Nov 7, 2026, 20:32:15 IST By Shweta Kukreti Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Stephen Miller, Donald Trump’s incoming White House Chief of Staff, has strongly defended the president’s leadership, describing him as the man who saved both the United States and the Republican Party, despite the GOP’s disappointing performance in the midterm elections.

In his first public speech since being named White House Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller hailed Trump’s leadership and promised unwavering loyalty. (AFP) Speaking at Mar-a-Lago on Friday night, Miller praised Trump just days after the president announced that he would replace Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff, with the transition scheduled to take effect on Monday.

Miller claimed that Trump had transformed the Republican Party into a stronger political force, insisting that the GOP was now “more popular than ever.” Deep Dive Powered ByAsk HT His remarks came against the backdrop of significant Republican losses in the midterm elections.

By Saturday morning, the party had lost at least 44 seats in the House of Representatives and seven seats in the Senate, handing Democrats control of both chambers.

Stephen Miller credits Trump with ‘Saving America’ During his first public speech following his appointment, Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside Trump, describing the role as a major milestone in his political career.

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to join President Trump,” Miller said.

He went on to make an extraordinary claim about the president's importance to the country, stating: “If it wasn’t for President Trump, the United States of America would not exist right now.”

“This man saved America,” he declared.

“He saved our military from collapse, he saved our economy from destruction, he saved our border from annihilation and he saved our country from threats at home and abroad which would have been the end of the American dream forever.” GOP election losses contrast with Stephen Miller’s optimism Miller's positive assessment of the Republican Party comes at a difficult moment for the administration, following substantial Democratic gains in the midterm elections.

Trump has acknowledged that economic concerns and the war in Iran played a role in the Republican defeat.

However, he has also suggested that his absence from the ballot was a major factor behind the party's poor performance.

“I JUST WASN’T ON THE BALLOT.

IF I WERE, WE WOULD HAVE WON IN A LANDSLIDE!” Trump said.

Despite the election setback, Miller maintained that Trump's influence had made the Republican Party more competitive, resilient and popular than at any previous point.

“And he has made it stronger and more popular and more resilient than ever before,” Miller said.

Stephen Miller pledges unwavering loyalty to Trump Miller also referred to the July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the criminal prosecutions the president has faced.

He used these experiences to portray Trump as a leader who had made significant personal sacrifices for his supporters and the country.

“This man took a bullet for us, he faced down life in prison for us, he saved the Republican Party,” Miller said.

Concluding his speech, the incoming chief of staff called on Republicans to remain firmly behind Trump, praising his commitment to the nation.

Miller then made a direct pledge to the president, promising complete dedication to his leadership and political agenda.

“I pledge to you, Mr.

President, my absolute loyalty, my unwavering commitment and my total devotion to your success and the success of this country,” he declared.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shweta Kukreti Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics.

She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk.

She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events.

Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives.

She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics.

In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team.

She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World.

Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work.

Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC).

She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi.

If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh.

She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family.