Trump selects Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will serve as his White House chief of staff, giving the pivotal role to a political strategist who played a key part in securing his victory. 

This appointment marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of staffing announcements as Trump prepares for his return to the White House on January 20. The chief of staff, who acts as a gatekeeper to the president, wields significant influence, overseeing White House staff, organizing the president’s schedule, and liaising with other government branches and lawmakers. Wiles, 67, will make history as the first woman to hold the position.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected," Trump said in a statement. "I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.” Since defeating Democrat Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Trump has been staying at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, while considering various candidates for top administration positions, many of whom are familiar from his first presidency.

Wiles, a seasoned political strategist based in Florida, and fellow campaign manager Chris LaCivita are credited with running a more disciplined operation during Trump’s third presidential campaign compared to his previous runs. Trump thanked both of them in his victory speech early Wednesday morning.

"Susie likes to stay in the back, let me tell you," Trump remarked, as Wiles stood behind him on stage. "We call her the ice maiden."

People who have worked with Wiles say she will bring stability and sound advice to the White House. Trump had cycled through four chiefs of staff during his first term, a notably high turnover rate, as they struggled to manage his famously undisciplined style.

“Susie is a strong woman and a true leader with a proven track record of getting things done," said Florida Republican consultant David Johnson.

Wiles has a long history in political strategy, having worked on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and helping Florida Governor Ron DeSantis win election in 2018. She also served as a senior adviser on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

Trump chose Wiles over other potential candidates, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a close ally who frequently visits Mar-a-Lago, and Brooke Rollins, the former acting director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council.

Other figures under consideration for key roles include Republican Representative Elise Stefanik for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Richard Grenell, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, who is being considered for Secretary of State. Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, former Ambassador to Japan, is also under consideration for the position of Secretary of State. Hagerty, when asked about the speculation, responded, "I'll leave the speculation to the speculators."