Brace Yourself. The Stephen Miller Presidency (New Republic)
https://newrepublic.com/article/153525/stephen-miller-presidency
The Stephen Miller Presidency
The more politically frustrated Trump becomes, the more he embraces his most extreme adviser. Brace yourself, America.
By ALEX SHEPHARD
April 8, 2019
Stephen Miller is winning. In recent days, President Donald Trumps senior adviser for policy has overseen a purge of officials who were seen as insufficiently extreme on immigration. Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen was pushed out on Sunday. Two days earlier, Miller persuaded Trump to cut ties with Ronald Vitello, the presidents nominee to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rons a good man but were going in a tougher direction, Trump told reporters.
And Millers not done. On Monday, CNN reported that Miller also wants the president to fire two more high-ranking immigration officials. Hes actively trying to put in place people who have very different points of view than the current leadership within the agencies, a former DHS official told Politico, referring to Miller. His idea is basically [to] clean house. Trump reportedly has informed aides that the 33-year-old Miller will oversee all immigration initiatives.
In a White House defined by dysfunction and turnoverthe departments of justice, defense, and veterans affairs are all led by acting directorsMiller is the thriving cockroach. Its no secret why: He has shown an unwavering commitment to Trumps toxic immigration agenda, perhaps even more so than the president himself. Millers expanding influence and seemingly permanent tenure suggest that Trumps immigration policies will become even more radical than those he implemented during his first two years in office.
Prematurely balding, with a somewhat vampiric face, Miller is an experienced troll after Trumps own heart. In high school, he would try to own his liberal classmates by railing against feminism and bilingualism, and in college he accused Maya Angelou of exhibiting racial paranoia. Over the past two years, he has been one of Trumps most vociferous defenders, shouting at any TV host who dares to criticize the president.
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