Jeffries calls Stephen Miller racist
The gist
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Stephen Miller a "stone cold racist" and refused to work with him.
The clash sets the tone for a new Congress where Democrats control both chambers.
How it unfolded
- Nov 5, 2026White House chief of staff Susie Wiles resigned after Republicans' midterm performance; Trump turned to longtime aide Stephen Miller, telling reporters, "We've got to make some moves."
- Nov 6, 2026House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Miller a "dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands" and said "Fire him today."
- Nov 6, 2026Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump had "learned nothing" from midterm results in which Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress.
Key terms
- White House chief of staff
- The head of the Executive Office of the President of the United States, a senior aide leading White House staff operations.
- midterms
- US general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are contested.
- Senate Minority Leader
- A U.S. senator chosen by their party caucus to serve as chief spokesperson and leader of the chamber's majority party.
Source: Wikipedia