Trump Appoints Susie Wiles to Lead as Chief of Staff
n Trump’s third bid for the White House, Susie Wiles succeeded at minimizing infighting, leaking and other types of drama that characterized both of Trump’s previous campaigns and his tenure in the White House.
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, a senior campaign adviser and one of his most trusted political allies, as his White House chief of staff. Wiles, known for her extensive experience and influence, was one of two key campaign managers who helped drive Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Her appointment marks a historic moment, as she will be the first woman ever to hold the role of White House chief of staff. Wiles is widely praised for her strategic acumen and is credited with bringing a new level of organization and professionalism to Trump’s most recent campaign, contributing significantly to its structure and success.
“Susie Wiles played a crucial role in securing one of the most significant political wins in American history,” Trump stated. “She was essential to the success of both my 2016 and 2020 campaigns. Susie is resilient, intelligent, and creative, and she has earned widespread admiration and respect. She will keep up her dedication to Make America Great Again.”
Trump described Wiles’ appointment as the nation’s first female chief of staff as a “well-deserved honor.”
The role does not need Senate approval. A longtime player in Florida politics, Susie Wiles led Trump’s 2016 campaign to a key win in the state. She later played a major role in Ron DeSantis’ 2018 Florida gubernatorial campaign, but their relationship soured, leading DeSantis to push for her dismissal from Trump’s 2020 campaign in 2019. However, her absence was short-lived, as she soon returned to lead Trump’s campaign efforts in Florida once again.
After Trump faced significant setbacks in 2021—criticized for his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection and losing the presidency to Joe Biden—he brought Susie Wiles on board to help steer his political comeback.
Over the years, Wiles, a reserved grandmother with a sharp political mind, has earned the trust and respect of Trump, his family, and his staff. She has proven adept at managing Trump’s unpredictable nature and navigating his often mercurial behavior. During his third run for the White House, Wiles played a key role in reducing internal conflicts, leaks, and other drama that had plagued both his previous campaigns and his time in office.
Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Trump’s campaign, praised Wiles as “loyal and honest, with a humility that stands out. These are all qualities that define not just a good leader, but a great one.”
“She never hesitated about talking to him about the tough things, or assembling the right people to talk to him about the right things,” LaCivita added.
Wiles is anticipated to maintain strict control in the White House, managing the emerging rival factions within Trump’s orbit. This includes balancing the influence of high-profile outsiders like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who are vying for power alongside seasoned D.C. Republican veterans.
As speculation grew about who Trump would choose for chief of staff, Trump campaign aides were in agreement that Wiles would be the ideal candidate, should she be interested in the role. On Thursday, several prominent MAGA figures, including Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), publicly supported her appointment.
Trump’s announcement follows former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s statement, where he revealed he wasn’t interested in a position within the Trump administration, preferring to offer support from the outside. Brooke Rollins, a former Trump White House official and head of the America First Policy Institute, was also considered for the role. The chief of staff is traditionally the first major appointment for a president-elect and is responsible for managing White House policy and daily operations.
During Trump’s first term, he cycled through four chiefs of staff—Reince Priebus, Gen. John Kelly, Mick Mulvaney, and Mark Meadows—who faced significant internal conflict and turmoil. Although Wiles has minimal experience in Washington, she will now serve as the White House liaison to federal agencies and Congress. Her last stint in D.C. was during the Reagan administration, where she worked at the Labor Department and as a White House scheduler, as well as on Capitol Hill for Rep. Jack Kemp.
Wiles later moved to Florida, where she built a successful career as a political consultant, notably running Rick Scott’s successful 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign, and working on Jon Huntsman Jr. and Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns. The daughter of legendary NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, Wiles prefers to stay out of the public eye.
At Trump’s victory speech in West Palm Beach, he affectionately referred to her as “Ice Baby” and invited her to speak, but she declined.
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