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Jimmy Williams
In a historic move, President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday that Susie Wiles, a veteran Republican strategist and co-chair of his campaign, will serve as his White House chief of staff. Wiles, who has been credited with key victories in Trump’s campaigns over the last decade, will be the first woman to take on the influential role.
Trump’s decision to select Wiles has garnered significant attention, with GOP figures celebrating the appointment as both well-earned and strategic. Wiles played an instrumental role in Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, managing to unify the Republican base and drive voter turnout in crucial battleground states. Her elevation to chief of staff is seen as a recognition of her effective leadership, campaign expertise, and long-standing relationship with Trump.
“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said in a statement. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected.” He called his 2020 campaign “successful,” despite his loss to Joe Biden, due to what he has long claimed were irregularities in the election process.
Trump’s choice of Wiles underscores his emphasis on loyalty and results. A Florida native with a background in campaign management, Wiles has guided prominent Republican figures to high-stakes wins, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Known as a powerhouse in GOP politics, Wiles also worked as a top aide to several Republican mayors in Jacksonville, Florida, including John Delaney and John Peyton, and served in the Reagan administration. Her connection to Trump dates back to 2016, when he first asked her to manage his Florida strategy during a contentious primary season.
“Susie is the perfect person for this role,” said Sen. Scott, who worked closely with Wiles during his 2010 campaign for governor. “She knows how to build a great team, is a true leader, a trusted advisor, and a brilliant tactician.”
“Very well deserved,” added Donald Trump Jr., who has taken on a key role in selecting administration hires. “Susie is the best.”
Trump campaign insiders describe Wiles as an adept strategist whose familiarity with Trump’s style has made her an indispensable ally. Known for her meticulous planning and ability to communicate effectively, Wiles has been praised for helping Trump cut through the chaos of political campaigning, securing his victory on Tuesday by a wide margin. Her success in delivering that win, sources say, made her an obvious choice for chief of staff.
In her new role, Wiles is expected to oversee key operations, policy decisions, and appointments as Trump prepares for his second term. The president-elect has pledged sweeping policy changes, including his ambitious plans on immigration reform, regulatory cuts, and a fresh approach to foreign policy — an agenda Wiles will now be at the center of executing.
Trump’s chief of staff announcement has been met with enthusiasm by conservative leaders who see Wiles as a steady hand in the White House, and a reflection of Trump’s confidence in her strategic vision and commitment to the conservative agenda. Wiles, the daughter of former NFL player and broadcaster Pat Summerall, has yet to make a public statement about her appointment but is widely expected to begin organizing Trump’s transition team immediately.
As Trump begins his second White House term, he has assembled a team of close advisors, and Wiles’ appointment to one of the most influential roles in his administration signals a start focused on loyalty, experience, and strategy.
