President Donald Trump said Friday that he believes he can work with Democrats after their sweeping midterm victories, including potentially on immigration, even as he praised incoming White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the architect of some of his administration's most hard-line immigration policies, as an "MVP." Speaking to reporters after attending the UP.Summit near Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Trump was asked what Democratic-led initiatives he could get behind. "I think a lot," Trump said. "I mean, I said before, immigration is one, the tax cuts.
There may be certain things having to do with taxes to make it more convenient and better. A lot of economic development that we can do." "I think we could do a lot of things together, actually," he added. "A lot of them are about common sense also." His comments came hours after Trump announced that Miller would replace outgoing Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, elevating one of the most influential and uncompromising figures in his administration following Republicans' bruising defeat in Tuesday's midterm elections.
The selection of Miller could complicate Trump's stated hopes of finding common ground. USA Today described Miller as an immigration hawk who has championed Trump's mass-deportation campaign and noted that he has shown little inclination to work with Democrats. Democratic leaders immediately attacked the appointment.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would "fight him every step of the way," while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become speaker, called Miller a "reckless extremist" and said he should be fired rather than promoted. Trump offered an emphatic endorsement of Miller when asked Friday about a characterization of his longtime aide as a "wartime consigliere." "He's a great fighter," Trump said. "He's been with me right from the beginning, 2015, with me from before 2016." Trump called Miller "very loyal" and "smart," adding: "He's been an MVP every year." Miller, 41, has been a powerful force behind Trump's immigration agenda.
During his second term, Miller has championed mass deportations and helped drive the administration's effort to end birthright citizenship. His influence has also extended into foreign policy and other areas of the administration. That record makes Trump's reference to immigration as a potential area of cooperation particularly notable.
Democrats have reacted to Miller's promotion as a sign that Trump is doubling down rather than moderating after the election. Schumer said Trump had "learned nothing from his historic defeat," while Jeffries described Miller as a "dangerous xenophobe." Miller's promotion follows Wiles' resignation after Republicans lost control of Congress. Trump said earlier Friday that the administration had to "make some moves" following the election.
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