A high-profile Washington couple closely tied to former President Donald Trump is now caught in the political crossfire following an explosive fallout between Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Katie Miller, a former top spokesperson in Trump’s administration and wife of Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, recently left her government role to work with Musk. She had been set to assist the Tesla and SpaceX CEO in managing public appearances and media interviews unrelated to his brief stint leading the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump.
However, the timing of her career move has raised eyebrows inside the White House. Just days after her job change was reported, Trump and Musk publicly clashed in a bitter exchange on social media, with Musk suggesting Trump should be impeached and replaced by Vice President JD Vance. Trump, in response, threatened to cancel federal contracts with Musk’s companies.
The feud has sparked intense speculation within the West Wing and beyond, with aides now questioning the political ramifications for the Millers. Known for their influence and proximity to the former president, the couple is now perceived to be on opposite sides of a very public and volatile political split.
“Everyone is talking about it,” one former Trump staffer told CNN. “She has a choice between Elon and Trump, but it can’t be both.”
The online tensions reached a new level Thursday when Musk unfollowed Stephen Miller on X (formerly Twitter). Both Millers continued following Musk into Friday, though the symbolism of Musk’s move didn’t go unnoticed.
While some within Trump’s inner circle believe Stephen Miller’s standing could be affected, others downplayed the significance. “Next to Susie [Wiles], Trump trusts and relies on Stephen the most,” one senior official said, emphasizing that Katie Miller’s employment decisions are viewed separately.
Still, with Stephen Miller often considered second in influence only to Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, insiders admit the optics of the situation could complicate any future power shifts. “Katie being paid by Elon is not good for Stephen,” said another senior aide.
Katie Miller declined to comment.
Stephen and Katie Miller met in 2018 during Trump’s first term, quickly rising through the ranks of Republican politics. Their political alliance—and now personal ties to the Musk-Trump feud—has made them a focal point of intrigue in a divided post-White House world.
