Campaign Strategist Who Led Trump to Victory Breaks Glass Ceiling in Historic Appointment
In a groundbreaking move that marks a significant shift in White House history, President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles as his incoming White House Chief of Staff, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position in U.S. history.
A strategic appointment
Trump announced the historic appointment with high praise for his longtime strategist, stating, “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected.” He added, “Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history.”
From behind the scenes to center stage
Recently spotlighted during Trump’s victory speech at Mar-a-Lago on November 5, Wiles earned the nickname “ice maiden” from Trump, who noted her preference to “sort of stay in the back.” Despite her low-profile approach, her impact on the 2024 campaign was anything but subtle.
Political pedigree
The daughter of NFL player and sportscaster Pat Summerall, Wiles’s political journey began in the 1970s in the Washington office of New York Rep. Jack Kemp. Her extensive Republican strategy experience spans decades, with notable achievements including:
- Co-managing Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign
- Playing a crucial role in Ron DeSantis’ 2018 Florida gubernatorial victory
- Working with Republican Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign
- Collaborating with moderate Republicans and later with Trump allies like Senator Rick Scott
Campaign success
Under Wiles’s leadership, the 2024 Trump campaign achieved several key victories:
- Maintained disciplined message control
- Minimized damaging media leaks
- Successfully expanded outreach to Latino and Black voters
- Secured a decisive presidential victory
The ‘Ice Maiden’ approach
Living up to her nickname, Wiles maintains a notably different public profile from many political operatives. She rarely appears in television interviews and seldom makes speaking engagements, contrasting sharply with her more outspoken campaign co-manager, Chris LaCivita. However, associates note her capacity for decisive action when necessary.
Historical significance
This appointment carries particular weight given previous criticism of Trump’s attitudes toward women. As the first major appointment of his upcoming second term, it represents both a historic milestone and an early indication of his administration’s direction.