Stephen Miller, now Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy under President Donald Trump, began his political trajectory at Duke University two decades ago. A student journalist recently conducted interviews with Miller’s former classmates to document his college years before his rise to prominence in national politics. The resulting feature offers insights into the formative experiences that shaped one of the administration’s most influential figures.
According to alumni memories, Miller made a memorable first impression during freshman orientation, introducing himself with an unusual declaration about his interest in firearms. The nickname “Guns” followed him throughout his Duke years as he continued to cultivate an attention-grabbing presence on campus. Dormmates recalled eccentric behavior, including carrying an actual sword and wearing unconventional clothing while smoking premium cigarettes. One classmate characterized his demeanor as that of a “Libertarian Lounge Lizard,” while another noted he appeared considerably older than his actual age.
Beyond his peculiar habits, Miller’s college reputation centered on his romantic pursuits and political activism. He wrote columns for The Duke Chronicle while advancing conservative causes on campus. A former professor claimed Miller expressed aspirations to work in the White House, even mentioning Donald Trump as a potential employer during his first year. Classmates struggled to identify close friendships, instead remembering Miller as someone who deliberately sought notice through provocative statements and behavior.
The portrait emerging from these alumni recollections reveals a young man seemingly determined to stand out, employing eccentricity as a tool for garnering attention during his formative years in higher education.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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