Stephen Miller Responds to Pete Hegseth's Babysitting Comment — And It's Pretty Harsh

Stephen Miller responded on Wednesday after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed that he wouldnt feel comfortable leaving his children in Millers care. The exchange was highlighted by the White Houses rapid response team, where Fox News host Jesse Watters reminded Miller of Hegseths statement regarding his kids.

Did he just say anyone can babysit my kids except Miller? Watters asked Miller, who serves as deputy chief of staff at the White House.

Miller replied with a darkly humorous quip: I think, in fairness, hes worried that if I babysat his kids, they would come back after a few hours and say, Daddy, why dont you send the military into Minnesota to help us with the Somali refugees?

The comment referenced recent actions by the Trump administration targeting Somali immigrants in Minnesota. These moves have been criticized, particularly after an Afghan national previously assisting the CIA was charged with shooting two National Guard members. Despite ICE operations in the state, Minneapolis councilman Jamal Osman notes that 95% of the Somali population in Minnesota are U.S. citizens.

Millers role in shaping the administrations immigration policies made the remark controversial but not entirely unexpected, given his position as a senior White House aide.

The origin of the joke traces back to a podcast appearance by Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, on a show hosted by Katie Miller, Stephen Millers wife and former Trump spokesperson. During the conversation, Katie asked, Who would you trust to babysit your children? Another Cabinet member?

Hegseth responded, Not your husband. Or Marco [Rubio], which drew laughter at the time. However, Hegseth has recently faced criticism for authorizing or participating in legally questionable military strikes at sea, including a follow-up attack on survivors of a previous operation, raising concerns over potential war crimes.

Stephen Millers reply capitalized on Hegseths earlier dismissal, turning a lighthearted moment into a pointed, politically charged remark that highlights the ongoing tensions within the Trump administrations inner circle.

Author: Grace Ellison