As President-elect Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles will take on one of the most challenging roles in Washington, tasked with overseeing the White House and managing the complex dynamics within Trump’s administration.
Those who have worked alongside Wiles during her years as a Republican strategist in Florida and as a leader of Trump’s 2024 campaign believe she is well-prepared to succeed where others have struggled.
Her reputation among Trump’s allies, as well as those outside his inner circle, speaks to her competence. Having a history of political success, Wiles’ deep understanding of Trump’s goals and approach sets her apart from his previous chiefs of staff, who often had to pass a period of adjustment with him.
Florida GOP strategist Ford O’Connell believes Wiles’ familiarity with Trump’s goals gives her an edge
According to Florida GOP strategist Ford O’Connell, Wiles’ firsthand experience with Trump gives her an edge. Unlike past chiefs of staff, who often had to establish rapport, Wiles already knows what Trump wants and how he operates.
The chief of staff plays a pivotal role as the president’s closest advisor, managing access to the Oval Office, prioritizing the president’s agenda, and overseeing the White House staff, among other critical duties.
Reince Priebus, Trump’s first chief of staff, came into the role with experience leading the Republican National Committee, but his tenure was cut short after just six months. He served in a White House environment where Steve Bannon also held a senior adviser position.
John Kelly, the second chief of staff, was tasked with trying to rein in Trump after his time heading the Department of Homeland Security. His tenure lasted 17 months, but Kelly later became a vocal critic, calling Trump a fascist.
Mick Mulvaney, who served as acting chief of staff for about 13 months, took a more laid-back approach. However, his handling of the Ukraine aid issue during the impeachment inquiry became a major point of contention.
Mark Meadows, the fourth chief of staff, joined from Congress, but his involvement in the legal battles over the 2020 election led to legal challenges. His lack of strong oversight over the White House has been criticized for allowing important issues to slip by unchecked.
Chris Whipple, author of “The Gatekeepers,” notes that previous administrations struggled with having a chief who could challenge Trump, making the role feel more symbolic than functional. The question now is whether Wiles will be able to meet this critical challenge, given the difficulties associated with the position.
Making history as the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, Wiles takes the role after spending two years managing Trump’s 2024 campaign, alongside Chris LaCivita. Trump has praised Wiles as “tough, smart, innovative,” and noted that she is “universally admired and respected,” qualities he hopes will contribute to her success in this high-pressure role.
With experience dating back to the Reagan administration and her leadership as chief of staff for Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney, Wiles has mainly focused on campaign work in recent years. Her accomplishments include running key campaigns, such as for Senator Rick Scott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, before stepping into a leadership position for Trump’s 2024 bid.
Operating largely behind the scenes has been an advantage for Wiles, especially considering Trump’s frustrations with aides who overshadow him. Colleagues describe her as a savvy political operator capable of handling complex relationships within campaigns.
Wiles enters the role with strong support from Trump’s allies, who cite her proven track record and loyalty
Ed Newberry, a longtime associate, characterizes her as “tough” and “capable,” noting that she knows when to pick her battles and when to hold back. Trump, he says, has learned to value her advice, even when he doesn’t always agree with her.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) commended Wiles’ strategic acumen, calling her “brilliant” and “tough.” Moskowitz, formerly the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, believes Wiles is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Despite these accolades, Wiles will face serious hurdles as she steps into her new role. Trump’s impulsive nature and his tendency to cycle through staff quickly may test her ability to maintain order and discipline in the White House.
A Republican lobbyist familiar with Trump’s circle notes that Wiles must keep Trump focused and shield him from distractions or outside influences. If she can manage 80% of that, the administration will be positioned for success.
Wiles’ background in managing campaigns will be crucial, but experts point out that managing the White House, with its many factions and competing interests, will be a much tougher challenge. The stakes are far higher now that her actions will affect not just the campaign, but the U.S. government and its global relationships.
Chris Whipple highlights that Wiles’ ability to deliver hard truths to Trump, which she has demonstrated during the campaign, will be tested even more in the White House, where the consequences are much greater. Balancing the needs of the president and the broader national interest will be a delicate and high-stakes task.
