White House Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Walters is leaving the Trump administration, the first major exit since Stephen Miller replaced Susie Wiles as chief of staff.
The big picture: Walters was a longtime ally of Wiles, who was replaced by Miller last week. His exit signals that Miller intends to install his own team and consolidate control over White House operations.
- Fox News reported that Walters' departure had been expected once the chief of staff change was announced. The Hill described it as a sign of broader personnel moves to come.
The backstory: Miller, who has served as a senior adviser since the start of Trump's second term, was elevated to chief of staff after the midterm results prompted a White House reset. He is known as the architect of immigration policy.
- Axios reported that Walters' departure was expected once the chief of staff change was announced. The Hill described it as the start of broader personnel moves across the West Wing.
Why it matters: The chief of staff controls access to the president and sets the White House agenda. Miller's promotion and the ensuing staff changes could shift the administration's priorities heading into its final two years before the 2028 election.
