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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDid Stephen Miller say Trump has 'plenary authority' on CNN?
In October 2025, Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said on live television that President Donald Trump has "plenary authority."
Rating: Correct Attribution
Context
Miller made the remark while discussing a judge's decision to block the Trump administration's efforts to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. It's unclear what he meant by "plenary authority." We reached out to Miller for more details, and we're waiting for a response.
In October 2025, a rumor spread that Stephen Miller, the White House's deputy chief of staff, said live on television that President Donald Trump has "plenary authority," a phrase that refers to one branch of government having full or limitless power over an area of governance.
He allegedly made the comment while discussing Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon, and other parts of the country, such as Chicago.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/stephen-miller-plenary-authority/

returnee
(695 posts)He said it and then froze for a scary length of time. He did not complete the statement he began, but he did say it.
red dog 1
(31,956 posts)"No, he does not. That would give him absolute power over the military with no limitations, and though he is the commander-in-chief, there are checks and balances."
"Stephen Miller's comments on presidential powers spark search interest in 'plenary authority'." (Headline)
(October 8, 2025, WUSA-TV Channel 9, Washington, D.C.)