Pete Hegseth Welcomes New Chief of Staff Stephen Miller
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomes Stephen Miller as Chief of Staff, highlighting his role in border security and drug cartel operations.
Washington, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Stephen Miller as the new Chief of Staff during a press conference at the Pentagon on November 10. Hegseth praised Miller for his significant contributions to U.S. border security and efforts against drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere.
During the briefing, Hegseth emphasized Miller’s close collaboration with the defense apparatus. He expressed optimism that together they would advance President Donald Trump’s national security agenda. “He will prove to be an excellent Chief of Staff. He understands the President’s agenda well,” Hegseth stated.
Hegseth specifically highlighted Miller’s role in establishing the America’s Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC), which aims to unite various countries against drug trafficking networks and external influences. He credited Miller for efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, asserting that Miller played a crucial role in enhancing border security over the past 18 months. Hegseth described him as “a true American patriot and a good friend of the Defense Department.”
The Defense Secretary also noted that, despite ongoing impeachment efforts against Trump, the President fully supports him. Hegseth indicated that he would remain in his position as long as the President desires.
When asked about discussions regarding a proposed end to the Iran war during Miller’s transition to Chief of Staff, Hegseth refrained from providing a direct answer. He mentioned that they had discussed various issues and would continue to do so, adding, “I look forward to meeting with him soon to discuss how we can work together.”
Hegseth characterized the Counter-Cartel Coalition as a vital component of the Trump administration’s Latin America policy. He noted that several countries have quickly decided to join this coalition, seeking strong U.S. leadership, operational cooperation, and a counter to the influences of China, Russia, and Iran.
“The countries joining the America’s Counter-Cartel Coalition are not doing so out of necessity; they are joining willingly,” he stated.
Hegseth claimed that the coalition aids member countries in combating drug trafficking organizations while helping the U.S. prevent the infiltration of drugs and gangs. He outlined that under this policy, the administration has conducted operations against suspected drug trafficking vessels, blockaded Venezuela, and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
He asserted that over 70 suspected drug trafficking vessels have been destroyed and 218 individuals, whom he referred to as “narcoterrorists,” have been killed. Hegseth claimed that maritime drug trafficking has decreased by at least 65%. However, no independent data was presented to support these assertions during the press conference.
