"U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced that his campaign manager, Susan Summerall Wiles, will serve as his White House chief of staff when he assumes the presidency next year.
In a statement, Trump praised Wiles, stating she "helped me secure one of the most significant political victories in American history." He described her as “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired and respected."
“It’s a well-deserved honor for Susie to become the first female chief of staff in United States history," Trump added. "I’m confident she’ll make our country proud.”
At 67, Wiles becomes the first woman appointed as White House chief of staff.
The Trump transition team is currently assembling key figures for the incoming Republican administration, including department heads for all 15 executive branches, such as the Secretaries of State and Defense, ahead of the January 20 inauguration.
During his victory speech this week, Trump referred to Wiles as “the ice maiden” as she stood behind him on stage. Known for her preference to operate “in the background,” she is widely recognized as one of the most formidable political strategists in the country.
"Susie will continue working tirelessly to Make America Great Again," Trump said on Thursday, invoking his campaign slogan.
A Politico profile earlier this year described Wiles as a feared yet little-known figure in politics.
Shortly after entering the political arena, Wiles joined Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. She went on to play a pivotal role in reshaping Florida's political landscape, where she resides. In 2010, she transformed businessman Rick Scott into Florida’s governor within seven months; Scott is now a U.S. senator.
Wiles first met Trump during the 2015 Republican presidential primary and became the co-chair of his Florida campaign. Her efforts helped him secure a victory over Hillary Clinton in the state in 2016.
Two years later, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to lead his successful gubernatorial campaign, describing her as “the best in the business.”
Wiles worked alongside veteran Republican strategist Chris LaCivita on Trump’s campaign to develop a winning strategy for the presidential primary.
In her Politico profile, Wiles, the daughter of the late football player and broadcaster Pat Summerall, discussed her traditional political roots. “In my early career, manners mattered, and there was a level of decorum,” she said, reflecting on the evolving nature of the Republican Party. "The GOP has changed significantly from decades ago, and while we must adapt, we can still work toward our goals."
The chief of staff, considered the president's closest aide, is a critical role in any administration. They manage the White House operations, oversee the Executive Office, and advise the president on policy issues.
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