White House Staffing: Walters Exits as Miller Prepares for Chief of Staff Role

The White House is undergoing a swift transition as new leadership prepares to take charge.

Richard Walters, the deputy chief of staff, is leaving the administration. His exit marks the first major personnel change following President Donald Trump's announcement that Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles. Walters served in his current role for approximately six months, having been appointed in May 2026. Prior to joining the White House staff, he served as the executive director of the inaugural committee for Trump and Vice President JD Vance. He also held a fellowship at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service.

Miller confirmed Walters' departure in a statement to Fox News. He described Walters as an invaluable member of the team who helped secure major administrative victories. Miller noted that Walters would remain involved in an outside capacity. "Richard has been an invaluable member of the White House and has helped deliver some of the Administration's biggest victories," Miller said. "While he will be leaving us, Richard will continue to help from the outside as we continue to work with all of our strength to deliver for President Trump and his courageous fight to Save America."

The shakeup is part of a larger effort to restructure the administration after Republicans lost control of both the House and the Senate in the midterm elections. Trump named Miller as the incoming chief of staff on Friday, calling him one of his most trusted advisors. A White House official told Fox News Digital that the transition between Wiles and Miller was very amicable. Wiles submitted her resignation on Thursday night. Miller is expected to formally take over on Monday, at which point he will begin installing his own leadership team.

The leadership change also affected Miller's family. Katie Miller announced on Sunday that she would stop recording new episodes of The Katie Miller Podcast. The show features interviews with political figures, athletes, and other public personalities. She explained that the decision was made to prioritize her children and family as her husband's role shifts their priorities. "Nothing is more important than raising our four kids. While I've loved the podcast, the time commitment is too great and now is the time to step away," Katie Miller wrote in a post on X.

Katie Miller stated that she would continue to support President Trump and his team from outside the administration. The podcast will release two final episodes that were recorded before her decision to step away. The transition to new leadership will be complete when Miller assumes the chief of staff position on Monday.