Susie Wiles will make history as the first woman to become the White House Chief of Staff, after she was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump.
At 67, Wiles brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as co-chair of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump praised Wiles as “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected”.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history,” Trump was quoted as saying by his transition team.
Wiles’ appointment is significant, considering the previous Trump administration faced criticism for its gender imbalance, with only three women holding ministerial positions. As Chief of Staff, Wiles will play a crucial role in shaping Trump’s administration.
According to BBC, when Donald Trump delivered his victory speech on election night, one of the people he turned to on stage and credited for his win was Susie Wiles.
The 67-year-old long-time political strategist liked to stay in the background, he said.
Now the woman who he nicknamed “ice maiden”, and who once worked in the Reagan administration as a scheduler, will hold one of the top jobs in the White House.
She will make history as the first woman to hold the title of chief of staff – a pivotal role which will see her advising him on policy and day-to-day operations.
Wiles has had a long and distinguished career in politics, working with notable figures like Representative Jack Kemp and Ronald Reagan. She also served as campaign manager for Jon Huntsman Jr.’s presidential campaign and advised Rick Scott during his gubernatorial campaign in Florida.