# Stephen Miller Ends Recusals Following Wife’s Career Changes Katie Miller resigns from SpaceX and ends media contracts to clear husband's policy conflicts. - **Source:** [The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ccc66e23-bc95-43b8-8feb-c0d0613f7b49 ## Chief of Staff Policy Shifts Stephen Miller, recently appointed as White House Chief of Staff, is adjusting his administrative boundaries. During his first weekend in the role, he met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss legislative strategies for a Congress under Democratic control. These high-level discussions coincide with significant changes regarding his personal ethical obligations. ## Ending Previous Recusal Requirements For months, Stephen Miller was restricted from policy matters involving his wife Katie Miller’s professional interests. White House counsel previously mandated these recusals to avoid conflicts regarding her work with Paramount and SpaceX. These restrictions prevented him from engaging in critical discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and national space policy initiatives. ## Divestment and Contract Termination Katie Miller has officially severed her employment with SpaceX and sold all her company stock. She also forfeited rights to future equity and terminated a contract with Paramount for a planned podcast series. These decisive financial moves were executed to ensure her husband could fully participate in all upcoming policy meetings. ## Scope of Policy Participation A White House official confirmed that Stephen Miller is no longer subject to any recusals. He is now authorized to participate in all meetings and policy matters without restriction. This change follows the conclusion of Katie Miller’s professional engagements that previously triggered ethical oversight from the White House counsel’s office. ## Addressing Past Ethical Concerns White House lawyers previously determined that podcast sponsorships did not require formal recusals, unlike consulting arrangements. However, even these potential conflicts are being phased out as the final recorded episodes are released. Katie Miller stated that her primary focus is now on raising their four children rather than pursuing media projects. ## Background of Professional Ties The couple met during the first Trump administration while both served in official roles. Katie Miller later worked as a communications director for Vice President Pence and as an adviser to Elon Musk. During the recent transition, she served as an adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before joining the White House. ## Context of Political Corruption This career shift occurs amid public scrutiny regarding potential improper influence within the White House. Recent allegations from former advisers have fueled concerns about lobbying efforts by individuals with close ties to senior officials. These issues regarding government corruption became a significant focal point during the recent midterm election cycle campaigns. ## Public Perception and Accountability Public concern over government corruption has reached a two-decade high, with 89 percent of U.S. adults viewing it as widespread. While the Millers maintain their actions are personal, the move to eliminate recusals highlights the intense pressure on officials to manage the intersection of private business interests and public service. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/11/stephen-miller-katie-ai-stock/689356/?utm_source=feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._