As the newly appointed chief of staff for the White House, Susie Wiles is expected to navigate a complex landscape filled with influential groups eager for the ear of Donald Trump. This is a role she is familiar with, given her previous experience lobbying for numerous interests during Trump’s initial term in office.
Trump’s campaign slogan focused on “draining the swamp” in Washington, D.C., yet his approach to governance led to an increase in lobbying activities. This resulted in lucrative opportunities for associates, including Wiles, which ultimately complicated his policy objectives amidst allegations of misconduct involving influence-peddling.
With Trump now poised for a potential return to the presidency, there are concerns that his second term could replicate the challenges he faced previously, particularly regarding the influence of high-profile figures vying for his attention. Wiles will have a formidable task managing relationships with not just Trump’s children and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, but also billionaires like Elon Musk, many of whom have independent avenues for access to the president.
Critics express fears that Wiles’ background as a lobbyist might compromise her ability to effectively regulate these interactions. Craig Holman, a lobbyist affiliated with the government oversight organization Public Citizen, remarked that having a former lobbyist in such a prominent position is concerning, especially since Trump has not mentioned any intentions of “draining the swamp” this time around.
Defending Wiles, Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, emphasized her integrity and dedicated public service, asserting that these qualities are what led to her selection for the role.
Wiles was Trump’s first official hire following his electoral victory, and her leadership during his campaign is credited for being markedly more disciplined than his previous attempts. Nevertheless, she faces an uphill battle as she tries to control access to the president, a responsibility that Trump seemed to resist in his earlier tenure, cycling through four different chiefs of staff.
In recent comments, Trump referred to Wiles as an “Ice Maiden,” commending her skills as a subtle strategist and acknowledging that she will be the first woman to serve in this capacity.
Wiles has a wealth of experience managing powerful personalities throughout her career, beginning in the 1970s when she worked for conservative icon U.S. Rep. Jack Kemp. She later contributed to Ronald Reagan’s campaign and served within his administration, before establishing herself in Florida politics, where she played a pivotal role in Rick Scott’s successful gubernatorial run.
Wiles was involved in lobbying efforts for various firms, including Ballard Partners, which became a major player in the lobbying arena during Trump’s presidency. They recorded over $70 million in lobbying income, representing a diverse array of clients, including corporations and city governments.
Among her clients was Globovisión, a Venezuelan TV network linked to businessman Raúl Gorrín, who was implicated in a money laundering scheme. Wiles lobbied on behalf of this network during a time when Gorrín was attempting to foster favorable relations between the Maduro government in Venezuela and the Trump administration.
Gorrín’s strategy included financial contributions to Trump’s inauguration, and his ties to the Venezuelan leadership were leveraged to precede a broader charm offensive aimed at strengthening diplomatic connections with the U.S.
According to Ballard, Gorrín ultimately proved to be unreliable, and their professional relationship was terminated shortly before he faced federal charges regarding misusing the U.S. financial system.
Wiles is recognized as someone who is trustworthy and organized, and her ability to work under pressure is seen as a vital asset as she prepares for this challenging role.
In the wider context of Trump’s first administration, other lobbying cases have also raised questions. For instance, Wiles was briefly a foreign agent for one of Nigeria’s key political factions, demonstrating her extensive connections that extend beyond domestic interests.
Overall, Wiles’ appointment reflects a broader trend within Trump’s administration, where lobbying and corporate interests intertwined heavily. Though Wiles continues to maintain a diverse client portfolio, it remains to be seen how her tenure as chief of staff will influence both Trump’s policies and the power dynamics surrounding his administration.