Stephen Miller’s internal memo unleashes Trump agencies after ‘absolute control’ under Wiles’ reign

Key Points:

• Stephen Miller, the new White House chief of staff, has circulated a memo shifting control of communications to Cabinet secretaries, allowing them more autonomy over their messaging compared to the previous centralized system under former chief of staff Susie Wiles.
• The memo redefines the Cabinet Secretary role to Director of Cabinet Relations, emphasizing support for Cabinet leaders to act as primary communicators for their departments and aiming to streamline operations for greater effectiveness.
• Sources indicate that under Wiles, communications were tightly controlled with prescriptive directives and threats of media consequences for off-script statements, while Miller’s approach is seen as trusting Cabinet leaders to manage their own messaging.
• The memo also outlines organizational changes, including the Office of Presidential Scheduling reporting to the deputy director of outer oval operations and Caleb Orr becoming chief of staff for policy, with a clearer policy process established.
• Wiles did not respond to requests for comment regarding the memo or the criticisms of her management style.