Republican Senator Thom Tillis has publicly called for White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller to step down, arguing that the senior adviser’s role within the administration has created tensions over policy direction and internal decision-making.

Speaking during a televised interview, the North Carolina senator said he believed Miller had developed an outsized influence over government operations and suggested that the adviser should depart the White House.

Tillis described Miller as "out of his depth" in certain policy areas and said he wanted the president to receive stronger strategic guidance from across his cabinet.

The remarks represent a rare public disagreement within Republican ranks regarding one of President Donald Trump’s closest policy advisers.

However, Tillis emphasized that his concerns were directed at senior staff rather than the president himself, repeatedly stating that he wants the Trump administration to succeed and to build a strong legacy for the country.

Miller has long been a central architect of the administration’s immigration agenda and other high-profile policy initiatives.

Supporters view him as a driving force behind efforts to strengthen border enforcement and reshape federal immigration policy, priorities that have remained key pillars of the Trump administration’s platform.

Tillis’s criticism comes amid broader debates in Washington about immigration enforcement strategies and internal decision-making within the administration.

The senator has previously expressed frustration that some cabinet officials may not have as much operational independence as he believes they should, suggesting that advisers should avoid overshadowing departmental leadership.

Despite the dispute, Tillis has consistently affirmed his backing for the president’s overall leadership and policy direction.

In public remarks, he said he hopes the administration continues advancing its agenda while drawing on a wider range of counsel from experienced cabinet members and lawmakers.

Political observers note that Tillis, who is not seeking re-election, has spoken more freely in recent months about internal debates within the Republican Party.

His comments are seen by many as part of a broader discussion among lawmakers about how best to support the administration’s objectives while ensuring effective governance.

The exchange highlights the ongoing policy discussions inside Washington as the administration pursues its legislative and national security priorities.

While disagreements occasionally surface among allies, the core alliance between Republican lawmakers and the White House continues to center on advancing key priorities including border security, economic policy and national defense.