The first person Donald Trump appointed as president for the second time was the de facto manager for his 2024 US presidential campaign.
"Susie is tough, smart, creative, admired and respected by everyone. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to make America great again. It is an honor to have Susie as the first female chief of staff in American history. I am sure she will make our country proud" - President-elect Donald Trump announced.
According to the AP, Ms. Wiles is widely recognized inside and outside of Mr. Trump’s inner circle. Mr. Trump also mentioned Ms. Wiles often during the campaign, publicly praising her leadership in his “best-run campaign.”
The newly appointed White House chief of staff has often avoided the spotlight, even refusing to take the microphone to speak when Mr. Trump celebrated his victory early on the morning of November 6. She also declined the official title of Donald Trump's campaign manager to avoid becoming a target of attention.
According to AP, the appointment of Ms. Wiles is Mr. Trump's first major decision as president-elect and could be a decisive challenge for his incoming administration as he will have to quickly build a team to help run the federal government. Ms. Wiles does not have much experience in the federal government but has a close relationship with the president-elect.
During the campaign, Ms. Wiles did what few others could: Help control Mr. Trump’s outbursts — not by controlling or lecturing him, but by earning his respect and showing him that he would be better off if he followed her advice.
During his first term as US president, Donald Trump changed his White House Chief of Staff four times, part of his record personnel turnover.
Trump aides hope the appointment of Ms. Wiles as White House chief of staff is a sign that the president-elect is aiming to build a more cohesive team, though one that will certainly be less modeled on his Democratic or Republican predecessors.
Chiefs of staff serve as the president's confidants, helping to carry out the president's agenda. They also tend to act as "gatekeepers," helping to determine who the president spends time with.
Wiles is a longtime Florida Republican strategist who ran Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns in the state and helped lead Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to victory in 2018. She previously ran Rick Scott’s 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign and managed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign. Wiles has also worked in the offices of former Jacksonville Mayors John Delaney and John Peyton.
Chris LaCivita, who co-managed Mr Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign with Ms Wiles, described Ms Wiles as outgoing, opinion-seeking and loyal. Ms Wiles was tasked with having the toughest and most important conversations with Mr Trump.
