In 2015, when Donald Trump was seeking guidance for his presidential campaign in Florida, he initially couldn’t reach Susie Wiles, a seasoned political strategist.
After finally connecting with her, Wiles, known for her role in Rick Scott’s successful gubernatorial bid, agreed to become co-chair of Trump’s campaign in the state.
Despite being fired and rehired, Wiles has become a key figure in Republican politics, now serving as Trump’s de facto national campaign manager.
Wiles, with over 40 years of experience in Republican politics, is praised for her cool temperament and low-drama approach, which contrasts with Trump’s volatile nature.
Susie Wiles (Credits: The Florida Times-Union)
As Trump navigates a challenging presidential primary campaign and faces legal issues, Wiles provides a stabilizing influence.
Her journey includes overcoming personal and professional challenges, such as addressing her father’s alcoholism and navigating investigations into alleged mob ties during her time in the Reagan administration.
Wiles, the daughter of NFL play-by-play commentator Pat Summerall, has a resilient personality that complements Trump’s disruptive style.
Despite skeptics questioning her ability to handle the scale and stakes of Trump’s campaign, Wiles has played a crucial role in orchestrating Trump’s early endorsements, mastering delegate selection rules, and ensuring organized ground efforts in primary contests.
While Trump’s previous campaigns were marked by internal conflicts, Wiles focuses on maintaining order and serving Trump’s interests.
In an interview, Wiles attributed Trump’s success to his political skills, determination, and ability to understand people and sentiments. She highlighted his increased knowledge and skills gained over his first term as contributing factors to his political comeback.
The campaign’s smooth functioning, early successes, and disciplined approach have been credited to Wiles, who, along with other senior advisers, prioritizes Trump’s interests over personal agendas.
While acknowledging her challenging position, Wiles emphasizes that her focus is on executing Trump’s campaign strategy effectively.
Wiles consults Trump on various matters, from political strategy to unconventional ideas like a line of self-branded sneakers. Her ability to remain collected, never panicking or succumbing to urgent matters, is considered a unique strength in the campaign world.
