President-elect Donald Trump has made a groundbreaking appointment by selecting Susie Wiles as the White House Chief of Staff. Wiles becomes the first woman to ever occupy this crucial position in the United States.
Wiles, aged 67 and famously referred to as the “ice maiden” by Trump, brings a wealth of political experience and a reputation for direct leadership to the role. As the daughter of revered sportscaster Pat Summerall and a descendant of Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, Wiles has a rich connection to American history and politics.
In his commendation for her, Trump heralded Wiles as a smart, innovative, and strong leader, who is greatly respected. He expressed confidence in her dedication to the “Make America Great Again” agenda and affirmed her historic role as the first female Chief of Staff. Trump asserted that it was a well-deserved honor and that she would make the nation proud.
Wiles’ appointment has been met with bipartisan approval. Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz of Florida commended Trump’s choice, describing Wiles as “brilliant, tough, strategic” and predicted she would “serve the country well.”
Moskowitz, who has previously worked with Wiles in the DeSantis administration, praised her leadership skills and described her as one of the best campaign strategists in the field. He acknowledged her experience and strategic thinking, underlining her bipartisan respect as a significant benefit for the White House.
Wiles’ political career started with Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and has since played pivotal roles in Florida politics, aiding Republican candidates to victories, including Ron DeSantis’ 2018 governorship win and Rick Scott’s successful gubernatorial campaign.
Wiles, known for her ability to manage Trump’s more challenging tendencies and earn his respect, has shown a unique ability to navigate intricate political environments. Despite keeping a low profile and avoiding media appearances, she has earned the respect and loyalty of campaign staff while leading Trump’s most organized and advanced campaign to date.
Wiles was appointed after consideration of other potential candidates, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Brooke Rollins, the former acting director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council. The transition team, led by Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick and former Cabinet member Linda McMahon, ultimately chose Wiles due to her proven history.
In her role as White House Chief of Staff, Wiles will be responsible for managing the president’s staff, overseeing daily operations, and advising on policy matters. The position requires acting as the president’s gatekeeper and maintaining contact with government departments and lawmakers.
Despite her campaign successes, Wiles enters the position with limited federal government experience. She has worked as a registered lobbyist, representing clients such as the tobacco company Swisher International. Wiles maintains moderate stances on certain issues, being described as “left on the environment, left on gay rights,” despite her Republican affiliation.
