Trump announces Susie Wiles as his White House Chief of Staff

Following President Donald Trump’s retaking of the executive office, he named his campaign strategist and long-time GOP operative Susie Wiles his White House Chief of Staff to carry into his new administration.

In doing so, Wiles becomes the first ever woman to be appointed to the position.

But who is Wiles? Her name has not exactly made the rounds in the media or public eye, something uncommon for an individual who has worked as closely with the Trump campaign and for as long as she has.

As Trump himself describes, Wiles is someone who operates mainly “in the back.”

Wiles has been with Trump since 2015 and assisted in getting him elected running against Hillary Clinton.

She also worked tightly with Florida would-be governor Ron Desantis, helping Desantis emerge victorious amidst an incredibly tight race.

Trump has called her “the ice maiden,” not in a demeaning way but rather in reverence towards her pragmatism and cold and calculated effectiveness.

Wiles understands the benefits that can be gained by staying out of the spotlight.

Nothing exemplifies this more than when Trump took the time to congratulate Wiles for her work on the campaign as he made a statement celebrating the winning of the 2024 presidential election.

Wiles was offered the podium and a chance to speak, an opportunity which she declined.

Those who have worked with her have described her as “incredible”, “strong” and “intelligent”.

Trump went through a total of four White House Chief of Staff appointees throughout the duration of his first term.

Time will tell if Wiles will be able to maintain the position for the next four years, but if Trump’s words and glowing endorsements of Wiles are anything to go by, she looks to have as good a chance as anybody.

Trip Tagle is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact them, please email tnt5403@psu.edu.