Stephen Miller's White House era begins with a combative Donald Trump. The president has ordered investigations into Democrats threatening Republicans with impeachment and sanctions. Then, even more combative, he announced that he had asked Ultimate Fighting Championship boss Dana White to be the White House spokesperson. "I've asked him to bring staffers, some of whom are not from our country. We need these people to defend ourselves from the crazy left. Dana, please take the job," the president wrote on his social media account, Truth.
A friend of Trump since 2000, when the then-real estate magnate hosted some of the first UFC events at his properties, White is a staunch supporter of the commander-in-chief but represents an unusual choice for such a sensitive post, especially when Trump's relationship with the media is fraught with litigation and White House bans. The president appears ready to step up his fight against fake news with Miller at his side. The new chief of staff favors the Justice Department's crackdown on "fake news" and believes journalists who fail to disclose their government sources should go to prison.
Trump's request for White, along with Miller's nomination and the investigations into "despicable" Democrats who threaten Republicans and who should "go to jail," confirm the president's intention to continue fighting for the next two years, even as a lame duck. To continue his efforts, the tycoon has hinted that he will make further adjustments to his cabinet after the removal of Susie Wiles. "I like my cabinet team, but maybe I'll make some changes," he explained in an interview with '60 Minutes.'
It's not yet clear who might leave. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is among the names being considered, considering his exit to focus on 2028, but Energy and Transportation Secretaries Chris Wright and Sean Duffy could also be at risk. Despite being staunchly loyal, their replacements would send a signal of change. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who has been criticized by both sides in Congress and faces impeachment, is currently safe. The commander-in-chief continues to have confidence in him, as does Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
