Stephen Miller reportedly backed a plan to jail journalists to force them to reveal leakers. The DOJ calls the story ‘absolutely false’

The Trump administration reportedly considered using jail time against journalists to uncover the names of people who leak information, according to a recent report published by The Atlantic. The story centers on Stephen Miller, who is set to become White House chief of staff, and his reported support for that approach.

The Atlantic piece examined the departure of Susie Wiles from the chief of staff role. Multiple people familiar with the discussions told the magazine that President Donald Trump has urged the Justice Department to open criminal cases against leakers, citing national security reasons for the effort.

Those sources outlined several ideas that had been raised during the conversations. One option involved arresting reporters and applying pressure until they identified their sources. Two of the people who spoke with The Atlantic said Wiles opposed the step. They added that Miller supported it and argued journalists would quickly name their sources once faced with the prospect of jail.

Details from The Atlantic report and statements from officials

According to the two sources cited by The Atlantic, Wiles “pushed back” on the idea of jailing journalists. Miller “was in favor and insisted that it wouldn’t take long for journalists to give up their sources,” the same people told the magazine.

A Justice Department spokesperson responded to The Atlantic by calling the account “absolutely false.” No additional explanation accompanied the denial.

Separately, a White House spokesperson addressed the broader issue of leaks in a statement to Mediaite. The spokesperson said, “unauthorized leaks of sensitive national security information will NEVER be tolerated. They endanger American lives and threaten our national security. Those responsible must be held accountable.” Trump has made similar points before, and even said that leakers should be shot.

The President publicly named Miller as the next chief of staff on Friday. In a Truth Social post, he wrote that Miller, currently deputy chief of staff and one of his most trusted advisers, would take over starting Monday, November 9, 2026. He said Wiles would shift to the Trump Political Operation.

Trump praised Wiles in the announcement, writing that she “has done an outstanding job” and that he wanted to thank her for her service. He added that she “has done a great job.” The Atlantic report noted that Trump had been “furious” with Wiles following Republican losses of House and Senate majorities in the midterms.