Stephen Miller has returned to the national spotlight after President Donald Trump named him the next White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles following major Republican losses in the midterm elections. The appointment places one of Trump’s most influential advisers in a powerful position and has renewed interest in his personal background, particularly his parents, Michael Darrow Miller and Miriam Glosser Miller.
Miller, who previously served as deputy chief of staff for policy, is scheduled to assume his new position on November 9, 2026. His rise in Republican politics has also drawn attention to his upbringing in Santa Monica, California, where he was raised in a financially comfortable family with a background in law, real estate and social work.
Who Are Stephen Miller’s Parents?
Stephen Miller was born on August 23, 1985, in Santa Monica, California, to Michael Darrow Miller and Miriam Glosser Miller. He grew up as the middle child in a family of three children, alongside his older sister Alexis and younger brother Jacob.
His parents were successful professionals who established their careers in California. Although they were initially associated with Democratic political traditions, their views reportedly became more conservative over time.
Miller’s childhood was shaped by a comfortable upbringing in an affluent Santa Monica neighborhood. However, his family’s financial circumstances changed during the 1990s, eventually leading them to move into a smaller home.
Michael Darrow Miller’s Legal Career and Real Estate Business
Stephen Miller’s father, Michael Darrow Miller, is a Stanford-educated attorney who built his professional career in corporate law and real estate. He co-founded a law firm specializing in corporate and property-related legal matters before becoming increasingly involved in his family’s real estate operations.
Michael also worked on projects connected to the reconstruction of the Santa Monica Pier, one of Southern California’s most recognizable landmarks.
His business career experienced financial challenges during the 1990s, including difficulties following the Northridge earthquake and legal disputes involving former business partners.
Despite those setbacks, the family’s real estate business remained an important part of their professional life. Michael and Miriam subsequently managed residential properties across the Los Angeles area.
Miriam Glosser Miller’s Education and Professional Background
Stephen Miller’s mother, Miriam Glosser Miller, graduated from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Before joining the family real estate business, she worked as a social worker helping troubled teenagers.
Miriam came from a Jewish American family with roots in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Her ancestors immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe after fleeing persecution, a family history that later became part of public discussions surrounding her son’s immigration policies.
Her brother, David Glosser, a retired neuropsychologist, has publicly criticized Stephen’s approach to immigration. He has discussed the contrast between the family’s immigrant history and the restrictive policies advocated by his nephew.
How Stephen Miller’s Family Background Shaped His Political Views
Although Stephen Miller grew up in a household with Democratic connections, he developed strongly conservative political views during his teenage years.
While attending Santa Monica High School, he became known for challenging liberal political opinions and speaking publicly about issues involving immigration, education and American national identity.
He later attended Duke University, graduating in 2007, before beginning a political career that included working for Republican Senator Jeff Sessions.
Miller eventually joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and became a central figure in shaping the administration’s immigration policies. His appointment as White House chief of staff represents another major step in that career.
While Michael and Miriam Miller have largely remained outside the national political spotlight, their professional achievements, family history and California upbringing provide important context for understanding Stephen Miller’s early life and political development.
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