Experts in drug trafficking may point out that attacking Venezuelan boats does little to stem the flow of fentanyl, which largely comes across the US border from Mexico. They might rebut allegations that Latin American migrants are more prone to criminality or mental illness.
They could cite figures that show US-Canada trade is mutually beneficial. But if cultural preservation is the objective, then any steps to insulate America from foreign influence in immigration or trade could be justified in their view.
It also, however, has opened Miller – and Trump – up to accusations of racism and ethno-nationalism.
“Stephen Miller is a central figure in shaping the Trump administration’s agenda,” the liberal group Common Cause wrote in a 2025 blog post. “From enabling state violence against immigrant families to promoting white nationalist rhetoric in government, his career is a warning of what happens when bigotry gains institutional power.”
For all the controversy Miller has generated, however, his bond with Trump is why his position in the president’s inner circle still appears secure.
“To my colleagues who believe you can convince Donald Trump that Stephen Miller is a liability for him, good luck with that,” said South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham last week.
“When the clock strikes 12 on the Trump era, there will be a few people walking out the door with Donald Trump. Stephen Miller will be in that group.
