White House and DOJ officials reportedly discussed arresting journalists to expose confidential sources. The DOJ denied the report, calling it “absolutely false.”

The Atlantic reported that 3 people familiar with internal discussions said Stephen Miller supported using criminal investigations and possible arrests to pressure journalists into revealing confidential sources behind national-security leaks. Outgoing chief of staff Susie Wiles reportedly opposed the idea. The Justice Department called the allegations “absolutely false.” The White House separately said unauthorized leaks endanger lives and national security and must be punished, without directly addressing the reported arrest discussions. Trump announced Miller’s promotion on November 6, with the transition scheduled for November 9. Wiles is moving to Trump’s political operation. Miller’s appointment comes after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms. Several Republican lawmakers have also criticized his role in the administration’s immigration crackdown and its impact on Hispanic voters.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/11/stephen-miller-susie-wiles-white-house/689331/

https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/white-house-and-doj-considering-arresting-journalists-over-leaks-and-stephen-miller-is-all-aboard-the-plan-report/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/11/07/stephen-millers-promotion-sets-stage-new-era-confrontation/