On November 6, President-elect Donald Trump appointed Susie Wiles the White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, who worked behind the scenes to orchestrate Trump’s election campaign, is poised to become the first woman in U.S. history to hold this influential position. This appointment has drawn significant attention from political analysts and the media.
CNN reported on November 7 that Trump praised Wiles, stating that she played a crucial role in achieving one of the greatest political victories in American history and emphasized her indispensable contributions to both the 2016 and 2020 campaigns.
Trump described Wiles as tough, smart, and innovative, expressing full confidence in her ability to make the nation proud. If confirmed, Wiles will be the first female Chief of Staff in the United States.
Wiles’ prominence in Trump’s inner circle was evident during his victory speech in West Palm Beach, Florida. The President-elect notably called her to the stage, underscoring her importance in his future administration.
Trump affectionately called Wiles Ice Baby, explaining, “We call her Ice Baby. She prefers to stay behind the scenes, but she’s not meant to be in the background.” This nickname and Trump’s comments highlight his deep trust and support for Wiles.
Wiles is credited with engineering Trump’s decisive victory, defying predictions of a close race. The British Telegraph reported that while Wiles may not be a household name, she is effectively the Trump camp leader.
The role of the Chief of Staff is crucial, as it has a significant influence over presidential policy decisions, personnel appointments, and congressional negotiations. Unlike other high-ranking positions, it doesn’t require Senate confirmation, allowing the President to appoint a trusted confidant. This appointment clearly demonstrates Trump’s faith in Wiles.
As the first primary appointment was announced, Wiles’ selection signals the beginning of the transition team’s work filling other key White House and cabinet positions.
Wiles’ political career began in 1980 as a scheduling manager for Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign. She has since established herself as a seasoned political consultant, playing a pivotal role in Trump’s 2016 victory in the battleground state of Florida.
Her loyalty to Trump, particularly during the January 6 Capitol riot fallout when many Republican figures distanced themselves, likely cemented her position as a key confidant.
The New York Times reported that Wiles led Trump’s campaign to victory and assisted in managing his various legal challenges. The paper noted that Trump relies heavily on Wiles due to her understanding of his political style and her close relationship with his family.
The New York Times also noted that Wiles aligns well with Trump’s plan to prioritize loyalty in his second-term appointments.
Wiles has reportedly stipulated that she will oversee access to the President in the Oval Office. This condition is seen as an attempt to consolidate her influence and potentially limit the sway of informal advisors, including Trump’s family members.
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