Miller: Trump Administration Will Target ‘Domestic Terrorists’ After Kirk Assassination
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Fox News’ “Hannity” on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration will move aggressively to root out what he called a domestic-terrorism network on the left, in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this week.
Miller’s remarks followed the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, whom investigators say held left-leaning views and may have been radicalized before allegedly carrying out the killing. The deputy chief of staff blamed months — and years — of violent rhetoric from Democrats and partisan commentators for helping create the conditions that produce political violence.
“The Democratic Party, its pundits, its allies, the educators, for 10 years have waged a campaign of eliminationist rhetoric against President Trump, against Republicans, against MAGA,” Miller told host Sean Hannity. “The rhetoric…is the same exact rhetoric and messages that are used by assassins. This is willful and deliberate radicalization.”
Miller accused universities and other institutions of serving as “incubators for extremism,” and criticized online doxing and public campaigns that label political opponents “fascists” or “Nazis.” He argued such messaging, when paired with published personal information, can inspire violence.
“You see these organized doxing campaigns where the left calls people enemies of the republic…and then prints their addresses — what do you think they’re trying to do? They are trying to inspire someone to murder them,” he said.
Miller also invoked a personal connection to Kirk, saying the conservative activist urged action against organizations he believed were fomenting violence. “The last message that Charlie Kirk gave to me…was he said that we have to dismantle and take on the radical left organizations in this country that are fomenting violence,” Miller said. “And we are going to do that.”
Outlining how the administration might proceed, Miller suggested prosecutors could use a range of tools — from RICO and conspiracy charges to other statutes — to target groups and individuals he described as responsible for doxxing, rioting and inspiring attacks.
“My message is to all of the domestic terrorists in this country spreading this evil hate: You want us to live in fear? We will not live in fear. But you will live in exile,” Miller said. “The power of law enforcement under President Trump’s leadership will be used to find you, will be used to take away your money, take away your power, and if you’ve broken the law, to take away your freedom.”
Miller’s remarks come amid heightened national debate about the role of political rhetoric in fomenting violence, and as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death and Robinson’s alleged role. Legal experts and civil-liberties advocates warn that broad enforcement efforts targeting speech or political organizations can raise complex constitutional and legal questions; supporters argue the government has a duty to pursue those who cross the line into criminal conduct.
