President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, a historic appointment marking the first time a woman will hold the powerful role.
Wiles, 67, widely credited with steering Trump’s recent campaign to victory, avoided the title of campaign manager, preferring to stay out of the spotlight and instead work quietly behind the scenes.
Her appointment underscores Trump’s trust in her judgement, with Wiles seen as a key figure capable of managing Trump’s impulses while maintaining his respect.
The selection of Wiles as chief of staff is Trump’s first major decision as president-elect, aiming to instill discipline and stability in his incoming administration.
Trump’s previous tenure as president was marked by a record-setting personnel turnover, with four chiefs of staff cycling through the role — including one who served in an acting capacity for a year.
Many of Trump’s top aides were dismissed during his first administration, often after conflicts over managing Trump’s directives or navigating ideological disputes in the highly factionalised West Wing.
Several former aides noted that Trump often resented any attempt to “manage” him, which contributed to the high turnover.
Trump’s praise of Wiles underscores the close working relationship between them, calling her “tough, smart, innovative” and crediting her with helping him deliver a more disciplined and focused campaign.
He added, “It is a well-deserved honour to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
The role of the White House chief of staff requires not only an understanding of policy priorities but also the ability to coordinate and manage the president’s agenda amid competing political demands.
Wiles’ background as a Florida-based Republican strategist is extensive.
She has managed several high-profile campaigns, including Trump’s Florida efforts in 2016 and 2020, as well as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
Her experience extends to running former Governor Rick Scott’s 2010 campaign for governor of Florida, as well as briefly working on former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign.
Her early career included roles on President Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign, followed by a position as a scheduler in his office, giving her foundational insights into federal governance.
Trump’s campaign managers: Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles
Throughout Trump’s 2024 campaign, Wiles gained respect for her unique ability to influence Trump’s choices without appearing to restrain him.
She demonstrated her skill by helping guide Trump’s messaging, often by highlighting how he benefited from listening to her advice.
At a recent Pennsylvania rally, she was seen offstage reacting disapprovingly to some of Trump’s comments, underscoring her presence as a moderating influence on his impulses.
Trump himself publicly referenced Wiles as a central leader of what he described as his “best-run campaign.”
Wiles’ life beyond politics has shaped her public persona as well. Born Susan Summerall, she is the daughter of former NFL player Pat Summerall.
Her political journey took root early, but it was further defined by her work with her then-husband, Republican consultant Lenny Wiles, after moving to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1985. The two had a daughter, Caroline Wiles, before divorcing in 2017.
As she steps into the role, Wiles faces the formidable task of establishing a coherent team in Trump’s White House — a challenge amplified by the personnel volatility of his first term.
Her appointment is seen as an effort to avoid the ideological and personal rifts that destabilised Trump’s initial administration, in which many staff members faced conflicts over ideology or struggled to meet Trump’s demands without overstepping boundaries.
Wiles will need to leverage her political expertise and rapport with Trump to help steer the new administration’s agenda and manage West Wing dynamics effectively.
This historic appointment not only marks a significant milestone for women in politics but also reflects Trump’s commitment to assembling a team he trusts as he prepares for his second term in office.
The political world will be watching closely to see if Wiles’ disciplined approach can counterbalance Trump’s unpredictable style and bring stability to his administration.
