Meet Susie Wiles: Trump’s First Female Chief of Staff and the Powerhouse Behind His Political Success

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susan "Susie" Summerall Wiles as his White House chief of staff.

This appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this influential position in United States history.

Susie Wiles, 67, who served as Trump’s campaign manager, is widely credited with engineering one of the most significant political comebacks in modern American history.

In a statement announcing her appointment, President Trump praised Wiles as "tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected." He added, "It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie Wiles as the first-ever female chief of staff. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

Susie Wiles will be central to building and running the incoming administration, a task that includes selecting the heads of the 15 executive departments, such as secretaries of state and defense, ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Who is Susie Wiles?

Susie Wiles is a political operative who has been appointed as the White House chief of staff by President-elect Donald Trump.

She is notable for becoming the first woman to hold this position in U.S. history.

Her political stance and actions have been viewed critically by some, with descriptions suggesting she might not align strictly with traditional conservative or Trump loyalist views, particularly in relation to controversial policies like Project 2025.

From Reagan to Trump: Susie Wiles Has a Storied Political Career

Susie Wiles’ political career spans over four decades, beginning when she worked on Ronald Reagan’s campaign before his 1980 victory. Since then, she has developed a reputation as a powerful political operative, particularly known for her work in Florida, where she has transformed the state's political landscape. Despite her considerable influence, she remains relatively unknown to the broader public.

According to a profile published by Politico earlier this year, Susie Wiles has a reputation for staying "in the back," yet she is one of the most formidable figures in Republican politics. Trump affectionately referred to her as "the ice maiden" during his victory speech, acknowledging both her behind-the-scenes influence and her strategic brilliance. While Susie Wiles operates out of the spotlight, her impact on American politics is undeniable.

Transforming Florida's Political Identity

A pivotal moment in Susie Wiles’ career came in 2010 when she managed Rick Scott’s successful gubernatorial campaign in Florida. At the time, Scott was a businessman with no political experience, but Wiles propelled him to victory in just seven months. Scott later became a U.S. Senator, a testament to Wiles’ ability to shape political trajectories.

Her work in Florida didn’t stop there. In 2018, she managed Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign, which turned out to be another major success. DeSantis, who went on to become one of the most prominent Republican governors, called Wiles “the best in the business,” recognizing her unparalleled strategic acumen.

Susie Wiles’ relationship with Trump began during the 2015 Republican presidential primary. As co-chair of his Florida campaign, she played a critical role in securing the state for Trump in the 2016 election, delivering a crucial win over Hillary Clinton. This victory solidified her status as a key figure in Donald Trump’s political orbit.

A Lifelong Political Strategist

Born into a family with deep ties to American culture and sports, Susie Wiles is the daughter of the late Pat Summerall, a legendary American football player and sports broadcaster. This background instilled in her a strong sense of tradition and discipline, values that have influenced her approach to politics. Despite her conservative roots, Wiles acknowledges the evolving nature of the Republican Party.

In her Politico profile, Susie Wiles spoke candidly about the changing political landscape. “In my early career, things like manners mattered, and there was an expected level of decorum," she said, reflecting on the differences between the Republican Party of today and that of several decades ago. "There are changes we must live with in order to get done the things we’re trying to do,” she added, recognizing the compromises and adjustments required in modern political strategy.

Behind Trump’s Campaign Strategy

Susie Wiles worked closely with Chris LaCivita, a veteran Republican strategist, on Trump’s latest campaign. The duo crafted a winning strategy that successfully positioned Trump for victory. LaCivita’s decades of experience combined with Wiles’ insight and tactical finesse created a formidable campaign team that overcame significant obstacles to deliver a Republican win.

Their approach involved extensive voter outreach and a sophisticated ground game, especially in key battleground states. Susie Wiles’ focus was not just on traditional campaign tactics but on innovative strategies that resonated with a modern, more diverse electorate. Her emphasis on data-driven decisions and personalized voter engagement proved instrumental in mobilizing support.

Responsibilities of Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff

As White House chief of staff, Wiles will take on one of the most demanding and influential roles in government. The chief of staff is the president's top aide, serving as the manager of the White House and overseeing all operations within the Executive Office of the President. This role involves coordinating policy initiatives, advising the president on key issues, and ensuring that staff activities align with the administration’s goals.

Susie Wiles will also be responsible for shaping the administration’s strategic vision and policy agenda, managing crisis communications, and ensuring the seamless execution of executive orders. As the main point of contact between the president and various branches of government, she will have to navigate a complex web of political relationships and policy priorities.

Making History as a Female Leader

Being the first woman appointed as White House chief of staff adds an extra layer of significance to Susie Wiles’ appointment. In a political landscape historically dominated by men, her new role is a milestone for gender representation in American government. Her appointment signals a shift toward greater inclusion, though it also places her under intense scrutiny.

Despite the challenges ahead, Susie Wiles has a proven track record of overcoming obstacles and delivering results. Trump’s trust in her abilities underscores her importance to his vision for the country. As she prepares to take on her new responsibilities, she remains committed to the ideals that have guided her long career: strategic excellence, dedication to her team, and a deep understanding of political dynamics.

A New Era for the White House

As Trump’s transition team finalizes the administration’s top members, all eyes will be on how Wiles assembles and manages a team poised to execute the president’s agenda. Her expertise and leadership style will be critical in shaping the direction of the new administration and in navigating the complexities of a divided political climate.

With Susie Wiles at the helm as chief of staff, the White House is set to enter a new era marked by her blend of traditional values and modern political strategy. As the nation watches, her performance in this historic role will undoubtedly shape the legacy of Trump's return to the presidency.