White House Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Walters is leaving the Trump administration as Stephen Miller prepares to take over as chief of staff. Walters, a longtime ally of outgoing chief of staff Susie Wiles, is expected to continue supporting the administration from outside the White House.
According to a report by Fox News, Miller confirmed Walters’s departure and praised his contributions. The staff change comes as Trump reshapes his White House leadership following Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections.
Why Richard Walters Is Leaving the White House
Walters offered his resignation on Friday, and the departure was described as amicable. He had been one of Wiles’s closest political allies, with a relationship spanning more than a decade.
Walters thanked Wiles for the opportunity to serve and said he looked forward to supporting Miller’s team from outside the White House. Miller also praised Walters, describing him as an invaluable member of the administration.
Richard Walters’ Background in Republican Politics
Walters is a veteran Republican operative who previously served as the longest-tenured chief of staff in Republican National Committee history.
He worked on all three of Trump’s presidential campaigns and served as executive director of the 2025 presidential inaugural committee. He joined the White House in May 2026 as deputy chief of staff under Wiles.
What Happens Next?
Walters’s departure is among the first reported staff changes as Miller prepares to take over as chief of staff on November 9. Miller is expected to build his own leadership team as the administration reorganizes following the midterm losses.
Walters has indicated that he will continue supporting the administration externally, although his future responsibilities have not been specified.
The departure marks an early change in White House leadership under Miller. Further personnel changes may follow as the administration adjusts to a new political environment with Democrats preparing to control Congress.
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Walters is leaving following the appointment of Stephen Miller as chief of staff. He was a close ally of outgoing chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Yes. Walters has indicated that he will continue assisting the administration from outside the White House, although his future responsibilities remain unclear.