United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has appointed Susan Summerall Wiles as his incoming White House chief of staff, marking a historic first as she becomes the first woman ever to hold this prominent position in U.S. history.
In announcing her selection, Trump highlighted Wiles’ pivotal role in his campaign, attributing her leadership to his recent electoral success.
“Just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history,” Trump said in a statement, adding that she is “tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected.”
The 67-year-old Wiles has amassed a powerful reputation in political circles, particularly within Florida, where she lives.
Her career spans decades, including significant achievements like propelling Rick Scott, a political novice at the time, to the governor’s office in 2010—a move that laid the foundation for Scott’s eventual rise to the U.S. Senate.
In Florida, her reputation as a campaign strategist attracted the attention of Trump during the 2015 Republican primary, where she became co-chair of his Florida campaign.
Her efforts were instrumental in securing the state for Trump in 2016 against his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.
While not often in the public eye, Wiles is known for her formidable presence behind the scenes.
During Trump’s victory speech this week, he referred to her as “the ice maiden”—a nod to her composed, calculating approach to campaign strategy.
“Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again,” he said, reaffirming her dedication to his agenda.
Trump’s transition team is currently focused on filling key roles within his forthcoming administration, including appointments for the 15 executive departments such as the secretaries of state and defense, all of whom are set to be in place by January 20.
Wiles’ path into politics began less than a year before joining Ronald Reagan’s campaign in 1980, launching a career that would later make her a powerful political figure in Florida.
Her work with Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2018, where she led his successful gubernatorial campaign, further solidified her status as “the best in the business,” according to DeSantis. Wiles has also collaborated closely with Chris LaCivita, another seasoned Republican strategist, as they developed Trump’s primary election strategies.
In a recent profile by Politico, Wiles reflected on her career and the evolution of the Republican Party.
As the daughter of the late NFL player and broadcaster Pat Summerall, she comes from a “traditional” background in politics, recalling how, earlier in her career, “things like manners mattered, and there was an expected level of decorum.” Acknowledging that the GOP today is different, she added, “There are changes we must live with in order to get done the things we’re trying to do.”
As White House chief of staff, Wiles will serve as Trump’s primary advisor and the principal manager of White House operations.
Her role will include assembling the president’s staff, coordinating the Executive Office of the President, and overseeing day-to-day operations. She will also play a significant role in shaping and implementing policy, a responsibility that cements the chief of staff’s role as one of the most powerful within any administration.
