Stephen Miller’s Critique of ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Highlights a Surprising Connection to Immigrants
Stephen Miller Weighs in on New Star Trek Series, Suggests William Shatner for Creative Control
Stephen Miller, the former Deputy White House Chief of Staff known for his staunch America First stance, has unexpectedly ventured into the realm of science fiction fandom. In a recent post on Elon Musk’s platform X, Miller offered advice for the newly launched Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. His perspective comes amid a growing backlash from some members of the MAGA community against the series, produced by Paramount+.
Miller, who played a significant role in shaping the Trump administration’s controversial immigration policies, displayed an unexpected affection for actor William Shatner, a non-citizen who has contributed to American pop culture for decades. In his tweet, Miller suggested that Paramount+ should “reconcile with @WilliamShatner and give him total creative control” to enhance the series. He framed this recommendation as a crucial step to preserve the franchise from what he termed the "wokification" prevalent in contemporary storytelling.
"Tragic. But it’s not too late for @paramountplus to save the franchise," Miller wrote, indicating his belief in Shatner’s potential to revitalize the iconic series.
Starfleet Academy, which premiered on Paramount+ today, combines elements of classic Star Trek narratives with themes of inclusion and personal growth. The series, set in the 32nd century, features new episodes produced under the direction of Alex Kurtzman. The first two episodes from Season 1 became available for streaming, with additional episodes scheduled to be released weekly until March 15.
Despite Miller’s endorsement for Shatner’s involvement, his suggestion stands at odds with the actor’s own identity as a “proud Canadian.” Shatner has refrained from obtaining U.S. citizenship throughout his extensive career in film and television and previously expressed his reservations about the idea of Canada becoming a U.S. state, a concept floated by former President Donald Trump.
Shatner, 94, has been vocal about his views on American politics, notably critiquing Trump’s suggestion in a tweet stating that Canadians felt a mix of anger and disbelief at the proposal. "Doesn’t feel good, does it? Learn a lesson from it," he remarked, further reflecting his perspective on cross-border issues.
In light of these dynamics, Miller’s suggestion may not resonate as intended, especially considering Shatner’s long-standing position on his national identity. As the discourse around Starfleet Academy evolves, its implications within the broader cultural context remain to be seen.
