President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, one of his 2024 campaign managers, as his White House chief of staff, marking the first time a woman will hold this influential role. Wiles, 67, will serve as Trump’s key gatekeeper, managing his schedule, overseeing White House staff, and coordinating with Congress and government agencies.
The announcement comes as Trump prepares for a January 20 return to the White House following his victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in the recent election. Wiles’ selection is expected to set the tone for additional staffing announcements as the administration takes shape.
A longtime Florida-based strategist, Wiles helped guide Trump’s latest campaign to success, alongside co-manager Chris LaCivita, in what many observers have described as a more disciplined effort compared to past runs. In his statement, Trump called Wiles “tough, smart, and innovative,” adding, “I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
Wiles, who played a central role in Florida’s political landscape, worked on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign and assisted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his 2018 election. She has been a senior adviser to Trump in his previous campaigns and was a fixture on his 2024 campaign stage, where Trump nicknamed her the “ice maiden” for her preference to work behind the scenes.
Sources report that other key allies are also under consideration for top roles in Trump’s administration. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York is being considered for the role of U.N. Ambassador, while former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who recently joined Trump in New York for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, is a potential candidate for Secretary of State.
