Stephen Miller's Unconventional Influence Tactics in Trump's White House
Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff and one of the most powerful figures in President Donald Trump's administration, has developed a highly effective yet controversial method of communication to wield influence. According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, Miller employs a combination of social media, encrypted messaging apps, and dramatic, often gory imagery to relay his hardline views directly to the 79-year-old president.
Bypassing Traditional Channels with Encrypted Apps
Miller reportedly avoids leaving a written trail of his orders, instead relying on Signal, a privacy-focused encrypted messaging application, to deliver instructions and coordinate actions. This method allows him to circumvent intermediaries who might clash with his uncompromising worldview. The reliance on Signal came to light early last year when a reporter was accidentally added to an administration group chat discussing an upcoming military operation, sparking a significant scandal.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that Miller's use of these digital tools enables him to maintain tight control over messaging and policy implementation without the oversight typically expected in government communications.
Shocking Imagery to Drive Policy Decisions
Perhaps even more striking is Miller's reported use of "gory images" to capture President Trump's attention and influence his decisions. Last summer, Miller presented the president with a large, graphic photo of a Department of Government Efficiency staffer, known as "Big Balls," who had been attacked during an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C. The image depicted a shirtless, bloody man sitting on the ground.
Miller used this shocking visual to argue that crime in the nation's capital was increasing. Shortly after viewing the photo, President Trump posted it on his social media platform and announced the deployment of the National Guard to the city, demonstrating the direct impact of Miller's tactics.
Public Pronouncements and Internal Tensions
Miller's influence extends beyond private communications. He frequently takes his hardline views directly to the public, sometimes outpacing official White House statements. For instance, after federal immigration agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a nurse in Minneapolis, on January 24, Miller immediately posted on X (formerly Twitter), labeling Pretti a "domestic terrorist" who had attempted to "assassinate federal law enforcement."
At the time, other White House officials were still investigating the circumstances of Pretti's death, and Miller's inflammatory language had not been approved, according to unnamed officials. This incident highlights the tensions Miller's aggressive style creates within the administration.
Consolidating Power and Expanding Influence
Having served President Trump for over a decade, Miller has consolidated extraordinary power during the second term. Known for working longer hours than his colleagues, he has reportedly drafted or helped edit every executive order signed by Trump. He is also credited with shaping many of the administration's most controversial policies, including operations to destroy alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and deport immigrants to a prison in El Salvador.
Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, praised Miller's ability to translate the president's ideas into actionable policies, stating, "He doesn't overwhelm you with a charm offensive—it's action."
Pushback and Long-Term Prospects
Despite his effectiveness, Miller's methods have drawn criticism from some White House aides, Republicans in Congress, and even President Trump himself. Senator Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican from North Carolina, recently urged Trump to dismiss Miller, calling his characterization of Pretti as a terrorist "amateur hour at its worst."
President Trump has privately expressed discomfort with "how far Miller has gone on some fronts," particularly regarding the administration's immigration crackdown, which polls poorly. However, Trump allies acknowledge that Miller's proximity to the president remains unchanged, and his portfolio has even expanded to include elements of national security.
Last month, Miller told CNN that the United States has a right to take over Greenland, a statement that stunned White House officials as it had not been approved by the president. This incident further illustrates Miller's willingness to operate independently, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable and polarizing force within the Trump administration.
