On a stunning palm tree-lined bluff that overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean, thousands of individuals gathered last month in Santa Monica to protest against the Trump administration as part of the nationwide “No Kings Day” demonstrations. These beachy protesters were not just voicing their dissent against national policies; they also delivered a poignant local message, expressing remorse over the actions of one of their own, Stephen Miller. A man sporting a straw hat prominently displayed a hand-crafted sign that read, “Santa Monica apologizes for Stephen Miller,” while another demonstrator creatively queried, “Stephen Miller, who raised you?” in vibrant purple paint. The protest highlighted the deep-seated frustration and anger felt by many Southern Californians regarding Miller's role in shaping the administration's hardline immigration policies.
Among the Trump administration's inner circle, few figures have endured as long as Stephen Miller, the 39-year-old deputy chief of staff known for his stringent immigration platform. This approach has instilled fear in many across the country, particularly in the greater Los Angeles area, where federal agents have aggressively conducted deportation raids, impacting thousands of immigrants. As Miller's policies cast a long shadow over local communities, there has been a renewed focus on his upbringing in Santa Monica, a city often characterized by its progressive values and liberal politics.
Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete expressed the sentiments of many residents, stating, “I think people are sad that the words ‘Santa Monica’ and ‘Stephen Miller’ are synonymous, because no one wants that connection.” This raises the question: how did a city known for its groundbreaking initiatives such as curbside recycling and strict rent control produce a figure responsible for some of Trump’s most draconian immigration policies?
Some local observers speculate that the Trump administration's intensified focus on Los Angeles may serve as a form of revenge against Miller's hometown. When rumors circulated about ICE agents apprehending nannies at a Santa Monica park, former classmate Justin Gordon immediately connected the dots, believing that Miller had orchestrated the raid. Although these reports were later debunked, Gordon’s thoughts reflect a wider sentiment: “I’ve always thought, ‘This is Stephen Miller getting back at the city of Los Angeles.’”
Since Miller rose to national prominence, his backstory has been scrutinized extensively, revealing a complex narrative. Growing up in Santa Monica, a city at the crossroads of affluence and counterculture, Miller's adolescent years were marked by a clash of ideologies. The area was transforming, with wealth and privilege encroaching on its liberal roots, creating a cultural battleground. The Santa Monica High School experience, characterized by its renowned academics and diverse student body, was particularly challenging for Miller, who often found himself at odds with prevailing liberal sentiments.
During his time at Santa Monica High School, Miller became known for his vocal opposition to the school’s progressive ideals. His disdain for cultural affinity clubs and diversity initiatives was evident, as he openly mocked his peers who embraced these values. This antagonistic stance not only shaped his high school reputation but also foreshadowed the grievance politics that would later fuel his rise to power alongside Trump. As noted by author Jean Guerrero, Miller’s high school years were fraught with conflict: “He’s had this grievance about that ever since, and he’s been trying ... to have what I see as a form of revenge on the communities that rejected him in Los Angeles.”
Despite numerous media accounts documenting his controversial high school antics, Miller remained unapologetic. His attempts to restore the Pledge of Allegiance and his vehement opposition to “political correctness” became defining moments of his teenage years. Perhaps most infamously, during a student government campaign, he infamously declared, “I will say and I will do things that no one else in their right mind would say or do,” a statement that earned him both jeers and boos from his fellow students.
As Miller transitioned from high school to Duke University and eventually to Capitol Hill, his reactionary conservatism intensified. He aligned himself with prominent far-right figures, gathering support for his controversial views and policies. Many of the grievances he articulated during his high school years found resonance in Trump’s campaign, showcasing a troubling synergy between Miller’s past and the administration’s current stance on immigration.
In Trump’s second term, Miller has escalated his efforts, pushing for a military presence in American cities to enforce immigration policies. This aggressive approach has drawn criticism and concern from civil rights advocates, including Ari Rosmarin, who noted that Miller has a knack for igniting outrage and attention, using Los Angeles as a battleground for his political and cultural attacks.
As the Santa Monica community grapples with the legacy of Stephen Miller, the protests serve as a reminder of the deep divisions that continue to exist in American society. The ongoing discussions surrounding Miller’s upbringing and the policies he champions reveal a complex narrative that intertwines local culture with national politics, prompting residents to reflect on their community's identity in the face of changing political landscapes.
