Senior Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem, have relocated to military housing in Washington, D.C., citing safety threats and harassment from activist groups. The move has drawn criticism from left-leaning media outlets, which argue that the officials are avoiding public backlash over Trump’s policies. Activists have targeted Miller’s family, with some labeling him a ‘Nazi’ and alleging his involvement in ‘crimes against humanity.’ Noem, who also relocated due to threats, is reportedly staying in a temporary military residence at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The situation highlights growing political polarization, with The Atlantic noting that the number of senior Trump appointees using military housing has reached its highest level in recent administrations. White House officials have defended the move, attributing the threats to Democratic smear campaigns and recent spikes in political violence, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Miller, a top White House advisor, has been a frequent target of left-wing activists, with groups like Arlington Neighbors United for Humanity organizing protests and distributing flyers with his home address. These activists have accused him of policies that ‘dismantle democracy’ and ‘destroy social safety nets.’ His wife, Katie Miller, has spoken about the intense pressure on their family, with one protester allegedly telling her, ‘I’m watching you,’ as she left their home. The group also posted messages on social media, demanding that the Millers’ efforts to ‘dismantle democracy’ be ‘tolerated’ within their residential area.
Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, has also faced a surge in death threats and ‘vicious doxxing’ after her home address was publicly disclosed. The Washington Post reported earlier that she was not initially paying rent for her temporary residence at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, but McLaughlin confirmed that she is now ‘paying fair market value for her temporary use of the facility.’ The relocation has sparked debate over the extent of personal security measures for senior officials, with some arguing that the Trump administration’s policies have contributed to the climate of hostility.
Other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, are reportedly living in historic officer housing at Fort McNair, known as ‘Generals’ Row.’ This marks a significant shift from previous administrations, where military housing for senior officials was less common. The trend has been described as an ‘ominous marker’ of political polarization, according to The Atlantic, which noted that the reliance on military housing for personal security is a relatively new phenomenon and may strain the availability of such accommodations for military personnel.
White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson defended the decision, stating that ‘deranged leftist lunatics’ have targeted not only Trump but also his administration. She attributed the threats to Democratic smear campaigns and recent spikes in political violence, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Miller, in a social media post following Kirk’s death, vowed to ‘not back down’ in his memory, declaring that the Millers would ‘double down’ against what they called ‘the Tolerant Left.’ The situation underscores the deepening political divide and the lengths to which senior officials may go to ensure their safety and that of their families.