President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, as his White House chief of staff, a critical appointment that makes Wiles the first woman in history to hold the role.
The 67-year-old Florida-based strategist, respected across political circles for her tactical prowess and steady leadership, will take charge as Trump’s top aide when he assumes office on January 20.
Trump praised Wiles’ leadership in a statement, describing her as “tough, smart, and innovative” with “universal admiration and respect.” This selection is the first of what promises to be a wave of staffing announcements as Trump prepares for his return to the White House after defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris on Tuesday.
With her position as chief of staff, Wiles will serve as the gatekeeper to the president, overseeing White House staff, managing Trump’s schedule, and liaising with other government departments. Trump credited Wiles and co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita with running a tighter and more disciplined campaign, contributing to his victory. In his victory speech on Wednesday, he highlighted Wiles’ dedication, referring to her as the “ice maiden” for her preference to work behind the scenes.
Having previously served on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns and advised Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign, Wiles has a long and storied political background. She also played a key role in helping Florida Governor Ron DeSantis secure election in 2018.
Several colleagues and Republican operatives praised Wiles as an ideal choice for chief of staff, saying she would bring both stability and sound guidance to Trump’s administration, which saw four chiefs of staff during his last term. Florida-based Republican consultant David Johnson called her “a true leader with a proven track record of getting things done.”
Trump’s selection of Wiles comes as he considers several high-profile candidates for other key positions in his administration, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and former Domestic Policy Council director Brooke Rollins. For now, however, Trump appears focused on building his team with trusted allies who have shown their ability to navigate his unconventional political approach.
Trump has remained at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, since his win, where he is expected to continue making announcements in the coming days as he shapes his next administration.
