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- Vain Stephen Miller worried about how he would be portrayed in disaster Vanity Fair shoot (irishstar.com)
White House Photo Shoot Takes an Unexpected Turn: Stephen Miller’s Curious Comment to Photographer
A recent Vanity Fair exposé on White House staff has brought more than just policy discussions to the forefront. While Susie Wiles found herself in a candid spotlight, it was U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller’s intriguing interaction with the magazine’s photographer that has captured attention.
The Vanity Fair piece, penned by Chris Whipple with accompanying photography by Christopher Anderson, detailed the inner workings of the White House. However, it was a particular exchange between Miller and Anderson that has since come to light, revealing a curious moment behind the scenes.
According to Anderson, Miller approached him during the photoshoot with a surprising query about his portrayal. Speaking to The Washington Post, Anderson recounted the conversation: “Stephen Miller was perhaps the most concerned about the portrait session.
He asked me, ‘Should I smile or to smile?’ and I said, ‘How would you want to be portrayed?’”
Anderson continued, “We agreed we’d do a bit of both. And when we were finished, he comes up to shake my hand and say goodbye. And he says, ‘You know, you have a lot of power in the discretion you use to be kind of people.’”
This statement, described as “odd” by many, has led to speculation that Miller was conscious of his image and subtly prompting the photographer to present him favorably. The anecdote concluded with Anderson’s witty retort: “I looked at him and I said, ‘You know, you do too.’” This exchange highlights a fascinating clash of perspectives on power and perception.
Miller’s Peculiar Remarks Spark Online Discussion
The comments quickly made their way to social media platforms, with users weighing in on the exchange. One user remarked, “Honestly such a good read on how the average citizen and creator is expected to show more grace, decorum, and kindness than literal public officials.”
Another user praised Anderson, calling him a “Magnum Photographer and Gentleman!” A third commenter wondered, “I wonder if Miller knew what he meant?”
While Miller’s comments have generated buzz, his situation appears less precarious than that of his colleague, Susie Wiles. Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, found herself in a more significant bind after her candid remarks during interviews with Vanity Fair writer Chris Whipple were published.
Wiles had reportedly spoken openly with Whipple on multiple occasions, particularly during moments of crisis. However, it seems some of these conversations may have been intended to be off the record, meaning they were not meant for publication. The highly candid nature of her comments, some of which were deeply personal, suggested they were perhaps shared under the assumption of confidentiality with someone she may have considered a friend.
The Vanity Fair interview with Wiles went viral upon its release, prompting a wave of online discussion and even drawing White House staffers, including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, to her defense. The contrasting experiences of Miller and Wiles serve as a stark reminder that in the world of public officials, anything said can, and often will, be repeated.