Trump’s incoming White House chief of staff’s lobbying interest come under scrutiny

Susie Wiles, the newly appointed White House chief of staff, is facing criticism from progressives due to her past as a corporate lobbyist. Despite her reputation for integrity and commitment, concerns have been raised that her hire signals a departure from President Trump’s promise to “drain the Swamp.” Wiles’ lobbying history includes representing various controversial clients, such as Republic Services, The Pebble Partnership, and Swisher International.

Public Citizen, a progressive consumer advocacy group, released a report detailing Wiles’ lobbying disclosures and highlighting her work on behalf of special interests. They argue that her past representation raises potential conflicts of interest and could compromise her ability to serve as the gatekeeper to the president.

However, Trump transition spokesman Brian Hughes defended Wiles, stating that she was selected for her integrity and commitment to service. He emphasized that she would bring these qualities to her role as White House chief of staff.

Wiles, a longtime GOP operative and advisor to Trump, will be the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff in American history. She has a successful political career, working on various Republican campaigns and serving as a partner at a Florida-based lobbying firm.

While some of Wiles’ clients were anodyne, she also represented foreign clients with controversial interests. One of her clients, Raúl Gorrín, a Venezuelan businessman charged with money laundering, sought to influence the White House on behalf of the socialist government of Venezuela. However, Wiles’ firm dropped Gorrín once they learned of his fraudulent activities.

Despite these controversies, Wiles is praised for her organizational skills and toughness by her colleagues. She has a track record of running successful campaigns and is seen as a valuable asset to the president.

In conclusion, Wiles’ appointment as White House chief of staff has sparked debate and criticism from progressives. While her lobbying history raises concerns about conflicts of interest, her supporters emphasize her integrity and commitment to serving the president. As she takes on this new role, all eyes will be on Susie Wiles to see how she navigates the challenges of guarding the president from special interests.