Susie Wiles: Trump’s New Chief of Staff

Susie Wiles: Trump’s New Chief of Staff

President-elect Donald Trump has named his campaign manager, Susan "Susie" Summerall Wiles, as his White House chief of staff, marking a historic appointment as the first woman in U.S. history to hold this role.

Trump praised Wiles for her instrumental role in his campaign, calling her “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected." He added, "Susie just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history."

The president-elect expressed confidence that Wiles’ leadership would make the country proud, stating that she will continue working "tirelessly to Make America Great Again.”

At 67, Wiles is no stranger to high-stakes political campaigns. Known for her behind-the-scenes influence and feared by many in the political world, she has built a reputation as one of America’s most formidable political strategists. In his recent victory speech, Trump referred to her as "the ice maiden," acknowledging her presence behind him on stage as she operated “mostly in the back.”

Wiles' career began in the late 1970s when she joined Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign, helping to set a transformative tone in American politics. A Florida resident, she played a key role in electing Republican Rick Scott as governor in 2010, despite his lack of political experience; Scott now serves as a U.S. senator. She later managed Trump’s 2015 campaign efforts in Florida, a critical win for Trump against Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed her to lead his gubernatorial campaign in 2018, has called Wiles “the best in the business.”

In a Politico profile, Wiles, who is the daughter of late American football player and broadcaster Pat Summerall, spoke about her “traditional” approach to politics. She noted that, early in her career, “manners mattered” and decorum was a high priority, adding that the Republican party has since changed.

As chief of staff, Wiles will be responsible for managing the White House and overseeing staff operations, daily activities, and policy development. Her role is crucial to shaping the president’s agenda and serving as his top advisor on policy and administrative matters.

Trump’s transition team is currently selecting top members for his incoming administration, including department heads such as the secretaries of state and defense, in preparation for the January 20 inauguration.