(NewsNation) — Trump has selected Susie Wiles — a longtime Republican strategist and the leader of president-elect’s 2024 campaign — as his chief of staff.
The announcement makes Wiles the first woman to fill the role.
It comes about two weeks after Wiles fired back at billionaire Mark Cuban, who claimed Trump doesn’t typically surround himself with “strong, intelligent women.”
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“I’m told @mcuban needs help identifying the strong and intelligent women surrounding Pres. Trump,” Wiles wrote on X — her first post in about two years. “Well, here we are! I’ve been proud to lead this campaign. Complimented by @Linda_McMahon ,Chair for Transition Policy and @LaraLeaTrump, RNC Co-Chair.”
The account Wiles posted from no longer appeared active as of early Friday afternoon.
Who is Susie Wiles?
Wiles, 67, is a longtime Republican strategist and the leader of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. She also worked alongside Trump in 2016.
Some lawmakers describe Wiles as someone who can handle egos and strong opinions.
Her political career spans several decades and began as a scheduler for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign.
GREENSBORO, NC – June 10 : Susie Wiles stands by as former president Donald Trump speaks to staff and reporters aboard his airplane, known as “Trump Force One,” as he travels home after speaking in GA to NC on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Greensboro, NC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Although she’s now in the limelight for her association with Trump, Wiles has worked with politicians who tout more moderate views, Reuters reported.
She’s also worked for Trump allies such as Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Wiles was pivotal to DeSantis’ success in Florida’s 2018 gubernatorial race.
DeSantis dismissed her after his win, leading Wiles to join Trump’s orbit and help the now-president-elect defeat DeSantis in the Republican primary election.
Her relationship with Trump
Wiles has a reputation for remaining loyal to Trump.
She’s considered a trusted adviser who can help manage the president-elect and his impulses.
Some have joked that Wiles is the only person Trump listens to.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected,” Trump said. “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. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 20: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump attends a game between the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets with senior campaign consultant Susie Wiles on October 20, 2024 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris continue to campaign in battleground swing states ahead of the November 5 election. (Photo by Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)
Her role as White House chief of staff
The chief of staff oversees policy development and daily operations for the president.
No two relationships between a president and their chief of staff are identical, but chiefs often become integral members of the president’s inner circle of advisors, according to the Chief of Staff Association.
They may also be tapped to stand in for the president to negotiate with Congress, speak to the media or meet with constituency groups.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
