United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has appointed Susan Summerall Wiles as his incoming White House chief of staff, making history as the first woman to ever hold this prestigious position in US history.
In announcing her selection, Trump emphasized Wiles’ vital contribution to his campaign, which he credited as a key factor in his electoral success. “Just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history,” Trump stated, praising her as “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected.”
At 67, Wiles has built a formidable reputation in political circles, especially in Florida, where she resides. Her career spans decades, and she is credited with helping propel Rick Scott, a political newcomer, to the Florida governorship in 2010. This victory played a crucial role in Scott’s later rise to the U.S. Senate.
Wiles’ expertise as a campaign strategist caught Trump’s attention during the 2015 Republican primary, where she became co-chair of his Florida campaign. Her efforts helped secure Florida for Trump in the 2016 election, defeating his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.
Although not often in the public spotlight, Wiles is known for her influential behind-the-scenes presence. During Trump’s victory speech, he referred to her as “the ice maiden,” a reference to her calm, calculated approach to campaign strategy. “Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again,” Trump added, reaffirming her commitment to his agenda.
Trump’s transition team is currently focused on filling key roles within his incoming administration, including appointments for the 15 executive departments, such as the secretaries of state and defense, with all positions expected to be filled by January 20.
Wiles’ political career began in 1980 when she joined Ronald Reagan’s campaign, setting the stage for her rise as a powerful political figure in Florida. Her leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign further solidified her reputation as “the best in the business,” according to DeSantis. She has also worked closely with Chris LaCivita, another prominent Republican strategist, to develop Trump’s primary election strategies.
In a recent interview with Politico, Wiles reflected on her long career and the evolution of the Republican Party. As the daughter of the late NFL player and broadcaster Pat Summerall, she came from a “traditional” political background, where “things like manners mattered, and there was an expected level of decorum.” Acknowledging the current changes in the GOP, Wiles remarked, “There are changes we must live with in order to get done the things we’re trying to do.”
As White House chief of staff, Wiles will serve as Trump’s principal advisor and oversee the daily operations of the White House. She will be responsible for assembling the president’s staff, coordinating the Executive Office of the President, and playing a key role in shaping and implementing policy. In doing so, Wiles will assume one of the most powerful roles in the Trump administration.
