President-elect Donald Trump’s first key appointment since his victory this week came with a historic choice. He appointed Susie Wiles to be his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman appointed to the position.
Wiles, Trump’s campaign manager for his 2024 run, has been widely credited for his victory. The New York Times described her as “perhaps the most significant voice inside Mr. Trump’s third presidential campaign.”
Democratic Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz has highlighted the effectiveness of Wiles’ strategy, both in Trump’s case and in previous campaigns throughout Florida. “If you don’t know her, you soon will, but Susie will go down as one of the greatest campaign strategists,” he said via social media. “To the Democrats’ detriment she has been a part of all the winning campaigns in Florida.”
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Trump also thanked Wiles during his early victory speech on Tuesday night. “Let me also express my tremendous appreciation for Susie and Chris—the job you did. Come, Susie,” Trump said, calling over Wiles and referencing her co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita. “Susie likes to stay in the back, let me tell you. We call her the ice maiden.”
Here is what you need to know about Wiles, who has cemented herself as one of Trump’s most trusted advisors and will hold the President-elect’s ear as he returns to the White House.
Wiles has a long history working for Republican politicians and their campaigns
The 67-year-old has a decades-long history as a Republican strategist and campaign staffer.
She worked under the late former New York Rep. Jack Kemp back in the 1970s before working on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. She went on to work for Jacksonville Mayors John Delaney and John Peyton.
Wiles became a well-respected and well-versed strategist in campaigns in Florida, running Sen. Rick Scott’s successful campaign for Governor of the state in 2010.
