Susie Wiles, President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign co-chair, is set to make history as the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff for a Republican or Democrat. Trump praises Wiles for her toughness, intelligence, innovation, and the crucial role she played in helping him win both the 2016 and 2024 elections. Wiles is known for her behind-the-scenes approach and prefers to work discreetly rather than in the limelight. Despite Trump’s offer to speak publicly after his victory announcement, she declined. Wiles has earned Trump’s trust through her managerial skills in handling the various personalities within his orbit.
Wiles has a strong relationship with the Trump campaign staff, who view her as a mentor and a beloved figure. Trump senior adviser Danielle Alvarez and others commend Wiles for her ability to bring people together and advocate for President Trump. Staffers like Brian Hughes express gratitude for having Wiles as a friend and mentor, predicting that her presence in the White House will benefit America. Campaign adviser Carlos Trujillo praises Wiles’ nurturing and accountable management style, emphasizing her caring yet disciplined approach. Wiles has a reputation for running a focused and disciplined operation, which was reflected in Trump’s 2024 campaign having fewer dramatic shakeups compared to previous campaigns.
Wiles’ appointment as White House chief of staff indicates Trump’s intention to run his administration similarly to his campaign under her guidance. She is acclaimed for her talent recruitment and coaching abilities, being described as the greatest political coach. Although Wiles typically shies away from the spotlight, she recently spoke out in response to businessman Mark Cuban’s comments on Trump’s association with strong, intelligent women, showcasing the strong females in Trump’s circle. With a background in working on various political campaigns, including Ronald Reagan’s and Rick Scott’s, Wiles is a seasoned political operative with experience in key roles.
After Trump’s 2016 election victory, Wiles moved on to assist Ron DeSantis in his successful Florida governor campaign in 2018. However, she felt shut out of DeSantis’ inner circle post-election, considering it a career mistake. Wiles returned to the Trump campaign, managing Trump’s Florida campaign in 2020. Following Trump’s loss in 2020, she took on a role in running Trump’s Save America PAC. In preparation for the 2024 campaign as co-manager with Chris LaCivita, Wiles strategized to engage Trump’s lower-propensity voters and mobilize a volunteer army against Harris’ well-funded canvassing efforts. Wiles’ political career began after working for Ronald Reagan’s campaign and has since involved key roles in Florida politics.
Susie Wiles is a native of New Jersey and the daughter of the late NFL kicker and sportscaster Pat Summerall. She has a longstanding career in politics, notably aiding Rick Scott in his victorious Senate campaign against Bill McCollum. Wiles’ expertise in political consulting and strategic planning has made her a valuable asset to various Republican campaigns. Despite her low-key demeanor, Wiles is highly regarded by her colleagues for her leadership, mentorship, and compassionate yet firm management style. As the first female White House chief of staff for a U.S. president, Wiles is set to make a significant impact on the Trump administration and its operations.
