Did Stephen Miller say Trump has 'plenary authority' on CNN? [View all]
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/