Janice R. Andrews
In a major development, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, a role that marks a historic first as she becomes the first woman to hold this influential position. Known for her behind-the-scenes work, Wiles has spent decades shaping Republican politics, particularly in Florida, and now she is set to become Trump’s closest adviser, taking on one of the most powerful roles in Washington. But who is Susie Wiles, and how did she rise to prominence as Trump’s top strategist?
A Seasoned Political Strategist with Florida Ties
Wiles’ political career spans several decades, starting with her early exposure to the political world as the daughter of NFL player and sportscaster Pat Summerall. Her political journey began in the 1970s when she worked in Washington for New York Representative Jack Kemp, and later joined Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign. Wiles’ talent as a political organizer was recognized when she served as a scheduler in Reagan’s White House.
She then moved to Florida, where she quickly became a force in the state’s political scene. Advising Jacksonville mayors and Representative Tillie Fowler, Wiles built a reputation for navigating Florida’s often tumultuous political environment. She played a key role in Rick Scott’s 2010 gubernatorial victory, which further solidified her status as one of Florida’s top political consultants.
A Key Player in Trump’s Campaigns
Wiles’ relationship with Donald Trump began in 2016, when she took on the role of managing his campaign in Florida. Her strategic expertise helped secure the state for Trump, which was pivotal in his path to the White House. Her efforts in the Sunshine State were crucial to Trump’s success, as Florida is one of the most important swing states in any presidential election.
In 2024, Wiles once again joined Trump’s campaign, this time as co-campaign manager. She helped organize one of Trump’s most disciplined campaigns to date, despite his tendency to stray from prepared talking points. Her ability to keep the campaign focused and on message was key to Trump’s efforts, and she quickly became one of his most trusted advisers.
A Complicated Relationship with Ron DeSantis
Wiles’ political career also intersected with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whom she helped elect in 2018. However, their relationship grew tense over time. DeSantis reportedly urged Trump’s campaign to sever ties with Wiles during the 2020 race. Despite this, Wiles played a pivotal role in leading Trump’s campaign against DeSantis in 2024, helping Trump secure the Republican nomination. The rift between Wiles and DeSantis highlighted her strategic skills in managing high-stakes campaigns, even when personal relationships were complicated.
Preferring to Stay Out of the Spotlight
Throughout her career, Wiles has preferred to work behind the scenes, shying away from public attention. Unlike other political figures who seek the limelight, Wiles focuses on the tactical aspects of running a campaign and getting results. Her decision to avoid speaking at Trump’s rallies or making public appearances underscores her dedication to getting the job done, rather than seeking fame.
Despite her low profile, Wiles has shown she’s not above taking on any task. At a rally in Iowa, she was seen approaching voters with a clipboard, ensuring they filled out commitment cards to caucus for Trump. Her willingness to do whatever is necessary, even if it means doing the work usually reserved for volunteers, speaks to her dedication and hands-on approach to politics.
Influencing Trump’s Decisions
Wiles has earned Trump’s respect and is known for being one of the few people who can control some of his more impulsive behavior. Rather than chastising him, Wiles has been able to guide Trump by showing him that following her advice leads to better results. Her influence was evident when she intervened after a controversial Trump speech in Pennsylvania, where he made inappropriate comments. Wiles’ silent disapproval in the moment was enough to steer him in a more disciplined direction.
Trump has publicly praised Wiles for her leadership during his campaigns, often referring to her as a key reason behind the success of his operations. He has called her “incredible” and credited her with running his “best-run campaign.”
Will She Be Able to Last in the Role?
The role of chief of staff is one of the most demanding in Washington. In Trump’s first term, he cycled through four chiefs of staff, highlighting the challenges of managing the White House’s inner workings. The chief of staff is expected to be a close confidant of the president, overseeing the administration’s agenda, balancing political and policy priorities, and acting as a gatekeeper to the president’s time and attention. Given Trump’s history of personnel turnover, many are wondering whether Wiles will be able to navigate the challenges of the position and maintain her influence.
Trump has said that the biggest mistake of his first term was hiring the wrong people, indicating that he has learned from his past mistakes. With Wiles, he believes he has found someone who understands his vision and can help implement it while managing the complexities of the White House.
The Path Forward for Susie Wiles
As Wiles prepares to take on the role of chief of staff, she faces significant challenges. Managing the operations of the White House, navigating the political landscape, and keeping Trump’s often unpredictable behavior in check will require a combination of strategic vision, political savvy, and personal influence. Wiles has demonstrated her ability to thrive in difficult political environments, and her appointment signals Trump’s desire for a steady hand in his second term.
With her deep experience in Florida politics and her proven track record of running successful campaigns, Wiles is well-equipped for the role. However, her most significant test will be how she manages the power dynamics in the White House while executing Trump’s agenda.
Susie Wiles’ appointment as Trump’s chief of staff is a significant moment in political history, one that will shape the direction of Trump’s presidency. Her strategic prowess, combined with her ability to influence Trump’s decisions, makes her a central figure in the administration, and her leadership will be critical to Trump’s success in his second term.
