When asked directly whether Miller should be relieved of his duties, Tillis replied, \u201cOh, of course I do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cNot only does Stephen really want to just paint a picture. He\u2019s not worried about substance. He\u2019s more worried about form,\u201d Tillis said. \u201cBut I also think that he has an outsized influence over the operations of the Cabinet. And I believe we have got qualified Cabinet members there that sometimes are doing less than what they want to because of his direction and his outsized influence.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Miller, one of Trump\u2019s closest advisers since the president\u2019s first campaign, has long been a key architect of the administration\u2019s hardline immigration policies. He currently serves as deputy chief of staff and has played a central role shaping the White House\u2019s approach to border enforcement and deportation initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tillis\u2019s remarks come amid broader scrutiny of the administration\u2019s immigration enforcement strategy and leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. The criticism follows a series of controversies, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tillis previously criticized Miller and then\u2013Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after both officials suggested Good and Pretti were acting unlawfully before they were killed, assertions that drew backlash from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates. The North Carolina Republican has called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and greater accountability within DHS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The comments also come as the administration undergoes leadership changes at the department. Trump recently removed Noem from her post as homeland security secretary following mounting criticism of her tenure and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tillis, who has announced he will not seek reelection, has been among the more vocal Republican critics of the administration\u2019s handling of the Minneapolis incidents and broader immigration enforcement policies. On Sunday, he said the administration should rely more heavily on Cabinet officials rather than informal influence from White House advisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019s a big problem in this administration,\u201d Tillis said of Miller. \u201cHe has been from the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n