Christopher C. Miller

Christopher C. Miller, born on October 15, 1965, is a distinguished American civil servant and politician who made significant contributions to national security during his tenure in the Trump administration. He served as the acting United States Secretary of Defense from November 9, 2020, to January 20, 2021, following his role as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center from August 10 to November 9, 2020.

Before entering civilian service, Miller had a notable military career as a Green Beret, commanding units within the 5th Special Forces Group in both Afghanistan and Iraq. His expertise in counterterrorism and defense was further enhanced through his experience as a defense contractor, which provided him with a unique perspective on national security challenges.

Miller's appointment as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center was confirmed by a voice vote in the United States Senate on August 6, 2020. His role as acting defense secretary came after President Donald Trump dismissed Mark Esper, just days after the contentious 2020 presidential election. During this period, Miller faced accusations of obstructing the transition to Joe Biden's administration, which he publicly denied.

His leadership was put to the test during the January 6, 2021, storming of the United States Capitol. Miller approved the deployment of National Guard troops to assist the overwhelmed Capitol Police, albeit three hours after the initial request for help. He later defended his actions, stating that he had the necessary authority and aimed to prevent a repeat of past tragedies, such as the Kent State shootings.

Upon the inauguration of President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, Miller was succeeded by David Norquist, the then-Deputy Secretary of Defense, marking the end of his brief but impactful tenure in a pivotal role for the nation.