White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly has called U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson about border crossings, as President Donald Trump links migration to a threatened tariff increase.
The New York Times reported that Miller contacted Johnson on most days to criticize crossing numbers, citing Mexican officials. The report separately said Miller had set a target of zero crossings. Mexican officials told the newspaper the goal was not feasible along the 2,000-mile border. The calls became more frequent in recent months after a slight rise in crossings, the report said.
Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social that he would double tariffs on Mexico if it did not stop what he described as migrant caravans heading toward the United States.
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said Trump acted to secure the border on his first day in office and had delivered “the most secure border in American history.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “nothing to alert us that anything is changing” when asked about the implications of Miller’s promotion.
Miller began as chief of staff Nov. 9, after Trump announced his appointment to the role on Nov. 6.
