Who is Susie Wiles, Trump’s White House chief of staff? 5 things to know

President-elect Donald Trump has once again made history, this time by winning the White House for a second time as a former president. In a groundbreaking move, he has named Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold this esteemed position in American history. Wiles, a seasoned GOP operative and advisor to Trump, has proven her mettle in tightening up Trump’s campaign operations after his 2020 loss and helping him secure victory in the Electoral College and national popular vote in 2024 – a feat that has not been accomplished by a Republican candidate for president in two decades.

Trump lauded Wiles for her instrumental role in his recent political triumphs. He praised her as tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected. Trump expressed confidence in Wiles’ ability to continue the mission of Making America Great Again and hailed her historic appointment as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. “I have no doubt that she will make our country proud,” Trump stated.

Despite her reputation in Florida, Wiles is relatively unknown in Washington, D.C., and on the national stage. Here are five key facts to familiarize yourself with the incoming White House chief of staff:

1. Legacy of Overcoming Addiction: Wiles is the daughter of the late Pat Summerall, a legendary NFL broadcaster who battled alcoholism. Wiles played a pivotal role in staging an intervention for her father and assisting him in overcoming his addiction, as detailed in Summerall’s autobiography.

2. Political Roots with Jack Kemp: Wiles began her political career as an assistant to Jack Kemp, a former New York Giants teammate of her father and a prominent figure in the House of Representatives. She went on to work for Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and later served in the White House.

3. Unconventional Support for Trump: Despite her establishment GOP background, Wiles surprised many by becoming a co-chairwoman for Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign in Florida. She believed in Trump’s ability to bring much-needed change to Washington, D.C., and was vindicated by his unexpected victory.

4. Rift with Ron DeSantis: Wiles played a crucial role in steering Ron DeSantis to victory in the Florida gubernatorial race in 2018. However, tensions arose between Wiles and the DeSantis camp, leading to her eventual departure from the inner circle.

5. Lobbying Experience: In addition to her campaign work, Wiles is a registered lobbyist with a focus on influencing federal policies. She has worked for prominent lobbying firms and represented clients in various industries.

As Susie Wiles prepares to assume her historic role as the first female White House chief of staff, her diverse background and track record of success position her as a formidable force in the Trump administration. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in American political history, reflecting a new era of leadership and representation at the highest levels of government.