Donald Trump declares Susie Wiles, his long-serving campaign manager, as the head of staff for the White House. This appointment signifies a milestone as Wiles becomes the inaugural woman to occupy this role, a very influential position in American politics.
“Trump stated, ‘Susie Wiles has just aided me in accomplishing one of the most significant political victories in American history.'” “She played a crucial role in my campaigns for both 2016 and 2020.” Praising her as “resilient, intelligent, and creative,” Trump conveyed assurance in Wiles’ capability to advance his endeavor to “Make America Great Again.”
CNN reported that Wiles was the front-runner for the role but approached the job with specific conditions, such as ensuring she has more control over who can access the president in the Oval Office. Trump, often influenced by his last interaction on an issue, has previously had chiefs of staff struggle to limit the stream of informal advisers, family, and friends who could reach him. One insider noted Wiles’ determination to prevent what they described as a “clown car” of visitors disrupting the Oval Office.
Known for running Trump’s most disciplined campaign to date, Wiles managed to keep certain fringe voices at bay while navigating the difficult task of organizing the former president’s travel and appearances. Her loyalty and straightforward approach gained her Trump’s trust, which proved invaluable in maintaining the campaign’s focus.
Wiles is a seasoned political figure from Florida, with deep roots in Republican circles. The daughter of NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, she first gained Trump’s trust by delivering critical wins, including Florida in 2020. Following his presidency, she served as Trump’s de facto chief of staff and ran his recent campaign from start to finish, a rare continuity in Trump’s often turbulent circle of advisors.
Her closest rival for the chief of staff role, Brooke Rollins, stepped back from consideration, reportedly to avoid a power struggle with Wiles. Rollins, who held a prominent position in Trump’s first administration, currently heads the America First Policy Institute and is still expected to play a significant role in Trump’s team.
Wiles’ appointment highlights the historic nature of the role. While women have filled almost every major position in government, including vice president and Cabinet roles, no woman has previously held the office of White House chief of staff. Wiles’ experience, discipline, and low-profile approach were among the qualities that made her stand out for the role, and her behind-the-scenes influence in Trump’s orbit has drawn praise from supporters.
“Susie Wiles ran Trump’s best campaign of the three,” said Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, “and it wasn’t particularly close. She’s disciplined, she’s smart, and she doesn’t seek the limelight. The president, and America, would be well served with Susie in that key role.”
On election night, Trump publicly credited Wiles for his success, although Wiles, known for her preference to stay out of the spotlight, passed the microphone to co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita. With her history of steering Trump’s campaigns with focus and strategy, Wiles’ leadership in the White House is anticipated to be a defining force in the next administration.