President-elect Donald Trump made headlines last week when he announced that his campaign co-chair, Susie Wiles, would be serving as his White House chief of staff. This historic appointment marked the first time a woman, from either the Republican or Democratic party, would hold such a prestigious position in the White House. Trump praised Wiles as being tough, smart, innovative, universally admired, and respected. He credited her with playing a pivotal role in his victories in both the 2024 and 2016 elections.
Wiles is known as a formidable political operative who prefers to work behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight or in front of cameras. Despite her tendency to avoid public attention, Wiles has managed to win the trust and respect of President Trump by effectively managing the ambitions, personalities, and egos within his inner circle. When Trump declared victory in the early hours of the morning, he invited Wiles to join him at the microphones, but she politely declined.
The Trump campaign staff holds Wiles in high regard, with many considering her a mentor and a friend. Senior advisers Danielle Alvarez and Brian Hughes praised Wiles for her ability to bring people together and cultivate talent within the campaign. Carlos Trujillo, a campaign adviser and former U.S. ambassador, highlighted Wiles’ caring and accountable management style, noting that her leadership inspires loyalty and dedication among her team.
Wiles’ management style is described as tight and focused, leading to a campaign that experienced minimal drama or infighting compared to previous election cycles. Her appointment as White House chief of staff signals Trump’s intention to run his administration with the same efficiency and harmony that characterized his successful 2024 campaign. Trujillo emphasized Wiles’ talent for recruiting top political talent, highlighting her ability to build strong teams.
Despite her preference for staying out of the limelight, Wiles made a rare public comment in response to businessman Mark Cuban’s remarks about Trump’s associations with strong, intelligent women. Wiles took to social media to assert the presence of such women in Trump’s circle, showcasing her willingness to defend the president and his team when necessary.
Wiles’ political career has been marked by significant achievements, including her role as chief strategist in Florida for Trump’s 2016 campaign and her subsequent assistance to Ron DeSantis in his successful 2018 bid for Florida governor. Despite facing challenges after the 2018 election, Wiles returned to the Trump campaign and played a crucial role in the 2020 Florida campaign and the subsequent management of Trump’s Save America PAC.
As co-campaign manager for Trump in 2024, Wiles collaborated with Chris LaCivita on strategies to engage and mobilize low-propensity voters who supported Trump but were not habitual voters. Her efforts during the primary and general campaigns were instrumental in securing victories for the Trump campaign and mobilizing grassroots support.
A native of New Jersey, Wiles comes from a family with a strong sports background, as her father was the renowned NFL kicker and sportscaster, Pat Summerall. Her early political experience with Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign set the stage for a successful career in Florida politics, where she has worked on various campaigns and initiatives. Wiles’ dedication to her work and her ability to navigate complex political landscapes have earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and supporters alike.
In conclusion, Susie Wiles’ appointment as White House chief of staff represents a significant milestone in U.S. political history. Her leadership, management style, and dedication to her work have made her a respected figure within the Trump campaign and the broader political community. As she takes on this new role, Wiles is poised to make a lasting impact on the Trump administration and the future of American politics.
