GOP senators come to Miller’s defense after colleagues call for White House shakeup

 

Republican senators, led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), are rallying in support of senior White House aide Stephen Miller amid calls from some of their GOP colleagues for a shakeup within the administration. Concerns regarding the party's prospects in the upcoming midterms, coupled with dissatisfaction over Miller's public remarks concerning Greenland and immigration enforcement, have led some senators to view the deputy White House chief of staff as a potential political liability for both President Trump and the Republican Party.

Graham, who defended Miller last month, stated to The Hill on Sunday that Miller “will prove to be correct in advocating for a more aggressive stance” on immigration policy. He further contended that Miller's and Trump’s assertive rhetoric regarding Greenland has positioned the United States to significantly bolster its Arctic defenses. 

“While individuals may disagree with Stephen on his rhetoric or policy, the question remains: ‘Is Stephen Miller at risk within Trump’s inner circle?’ Absolutely not,” Graham asserted. He urged his Republican colleagues to shift their focus, saying, “We have an opportunity to take the offensive. Sanctuary cities are as popular as a toothache.” He emphasized that the real issue lies not with Miller, Kristi Noem, himself, or Trump, but rather with four years of Biden's policies.

“It is irrelevant what a senator thinks about a presidential adviser, as long as the president maintains confidence in that adviser. I have faith in Stephen Miller's ability to help us advance our agenda,” Graham added. He noted, “Next week, we will hold a vote on the Senate floor regarding sanctuary cities, and Stephen Miller was instrumental in orchestrating that effort with me.” 

More than a dozen Republican senators provided on-the-record statements to The Hill on Sunday, commending Miller and countering the public and anonymous criticisms from fellow Senate GOP members seeking to diminish his influence within the White House.