In the wake of Donald Trump’s election as president, veteran Florida political strategist Susie Wiles has been appointed to a key role as his White House chief of staff. This transition marks a significant shift for Wiles, who previously operated largely behind the scenes as a co-chair of the campaign. Wiles is poised to become the first female chief of staff in the history of the White House.
Wiles has amassed a wealth of political experience over the decades, primarily within Florida’s political landscape. Her career took flight in the 1970s working in the Washington office of New York Congressman Jack Kemp. She later played crucial roles in Ronald Reagan’s campaign and in the administration itself as a scheduler.
After her time in Washington, Wiles returned to Florida, advising multiple mayors in Jacksonville and working for Representative Tillie Fowler. She took a significant role in various statewide campaigns, notably aiding Rick Scott to victory in the race for governor. Additionally, she briefly managed Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign before returning to Florida to lead Trump’s successful 2016 campaign—a pivotal win that secured him the presidency.
Wiles has also found herself at the center of another political saga involving Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. She was instrumental in his run for governor in 2018, but their relationship deteriorated, leading DeSantis to suggest that Trump’s campaign sever ties with Wiles during her leadership in the 2020 election. Ultimately, Wiles took charge of Trump’s campaign against DeSantis, decisively defeating the governor during the contest. Insiders noted she leveraged her previous experience with DeSantis to gain an advantage during the race.
Though Wiles maintains a low profile and is not typically one to seek the spotlight, she has demonstrated her commitment by engaging directly with campaign activities, even taking on tasks usually assigned to volunteers. During Trump’s outreach events, she actively encouraged supporters to pledge their commitment to the campaign, showcasing her hands-on approach.
Despite being quiet on social media, Wiles has utilized her platforms to respond to criticism and support fellow campaign staff, including highlighting her close ties to the Trump campaign. Florida Senator Marco Rubio acknowledged her as a “strong, intelligent woman” following her appointment, further validating her leadership qualities.
As she steps into her new role, Wiles is recognized for her ability to manage Trump’s more impulsive tendencies. She has earned Trump’s respect not through reprimands but by demonstrating that he benefits when he heeds her counsel. Her guidance during heated moments has proved valuable; her presence alone during controversial speeches often speaks volumes.
However, history suggests that the chief of staff role is highly volatile, especially in Trump’s first term, which saw rapid turnover in senior staff positions. A chief of staff must function as a trusted advisor, facilitating the president’s agenda while balancing various political and policy interests. Trump has voiced his belief that his prior mistakes stemmed from hiring unsuitable personnel, but he asserts that he now surrounds himself with the best candidates.
Wiles’ tenure as chief of staff will thus come with high expectations and challenges, but her track record suggests that she may hold the key to navigating the complexities of the role amidst the dynamics of the Trump administration.