Introduction
Stephen Miller has emerged as a significant figure in U.S. politics, transitioning from an outspoken high school student to a key advisor for Donald Trump, influencing campaign rhetoric and hardline immigration policies.
He served as the White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security during the Trump administration and is expected to retain a senior advisory role in a potential second Trump term.
Early Political Development
During his time at Santa Monica High School, Miller was known for his conservative views, which contrasted with his largely liberal classmates. A short film titled "Strange Times at Samohi" was made about him.
In a high school student council campaign, Miller advocated that students should not be required to pick up rubbish, stating, "janitors are paid to do it for us." He quoted Theodore Roosevelt in his yearbook, emphasizing "100 per cent Americanism."
Miller challenged the school administration, accusing it of inadequate patriotism. This eventually led to the reinstatement of the Pledge of Allegiance after the September 11 terrorist attacks. He also wrote a letter to a local newspaper criticizing his teachers and calling for "common sense" over "liberal agendas."
Miller's early media exposure included appearances on the conservative Larry Elder Show, where he discussed his school's perceived lack of patriotism. This experience provided him with a platform, momentum, and a mentor in Elder, with Miller reportedly appearing on the show 70 times by the end of high school.
Ascendance in Conservative Politics
Miller's path to Washington included mentorship from David Horowitz and recognition from Steve Bannon. He worked for a congressional representative and later for then-Senator Jeff Sessions. By 22, he was contributing to political speeches and policy development.
Architect of Immigration Policy
In 2014, Miller, along with Bannon and Sessions, reportedly decided to shape the Republican Party's strategy by appealing to "missing white voters" through immigration issues. This approach shifted Donald Trump's initial campaign focus from targeting criminals to advocating for a radical transformation of legal immigration pathways.
Miller played an instrumental role in devising and executing the Trump administration's immigration policies.
These policies included travel bans, visa restrictions for individuals from specific countries, and a temporary policy that separated over 5,000 children from their families at the border. Government data indicates more than 470 immigration-related executive actions were undertaken, significantly altering the U.S. immigration system.
Family Background and Policy Stance
Miller's hardline immigration stance contrasts with his own family history. His maternal great-grandfather, Wolf-Leib Glosser, immigrated to New York City from a Jewish village in Belarus in 1903, seeking safety from anti-Jewish pogroms.
His uncle, David Glosser, has publicly stated that Miller's policies represent a "complete repudiation" of their family's history and principles.
Post-Administration and Expanding Influence
After the Trump administration, Miller founded America First Legal, a legal firm designed to oppose organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union. He continues to hold significant influence within Trump's circle and is consulted on various policy areas beyond immigration, including foreign policy.
He has commented on U.S. foreign actions and used assertive language to describe political opponents, framing them as "enemies" and advocating for their "destruction."
Contextual Factors
The political climate in 1990s California, with Governor Pete Wilson and prevalent anti-immigration sentiment, provided a backdrop for Miller's early views. During this period, California experienced demographic shifts, and conservative politicians reportedly voiced concerns about an "invasion at the border."
This environment, where white conservative men reportedly perceived themselves as being under attack, contributed to the transformation of conservative politics by figures like Miller, according to author Jean Guerrero.