In a swift move after defeating Kamala Harris, President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie WilesAs his campaign chief, White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, a veteran Republican strategist And a key figure in Trump’s campaign machinery, will now oversee it daily White House OperationsA new chapter has begun in his long political career.
Who is Susie Wiles?
After defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Republican President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his campaign manager Susie Wiles as his White House Chief of Staff. This is Trump’s first major appointment since the election. Here’s a closer look at key facts about Wiles, who will oversee daily operations at the White House.
A disciplined campaign leader
A veteran Republican strategist, Wiles, along with co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita, is credited with leading one of Trump’s most structured and disciplined campaigns. While it wasn’t always possible to keep Trump on script, she managed to minimize leaks, craft an effective strategy to appeal to Latino and black voters, and ultimately help secure a decisive victory.
Rooted in the party establishment
Wiles began her political career with Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and has since worked with liberal Republicans. Her experience includes roles with figures such as Jack Kemp, a free-trade advocate, and Tillie Fowler, known for moderate positions on issues such as gun control. She also managed Jon Huntsman Jr.’s 2012 presidential campaign, supporting a candidate known for his liberal stance and criticism of Trump after the January 6 Capitol attack.
Working with Trump’s opponents
In later years, Wiles collaborated with several high-profile Republicans, including Trump ally Senator Rick Scott. He played a major role in Ron DeSantis’ successful 2018 campaign for Florida governor but was later fired by DeSantis after his election. When DeSantis entered the Republican primary against Trump, Wiles led a firm strategy that highlighted DeSantis’ perceived weaknesses.
‘Ice Maiden’
Known for his reserved and mysterious demeanor, Wiles rarely appears in television interviews or public speaking events, contrasting with the more vocal Chris LaCivita. Trump even referred to her as the “Ice Maiden” in his victory speech, acknowledging her disciplined and sometimes ruthless approach to campaign management.
Here’s a look at Trump’s former chiefs of staff and their approach to his leadership:
Reince Priebus (January 20, 2017 – July 31, 2017): Trump’s first chief of staff, Priebus kept a low profile after his tenure, offering little public comment on Trump’s style or approach to governing.
John F. Kelly (July 31, 2017 – January 2, 2019): A former Marine Corps general, Kelly has been an outspoken critic, describing Trump in harsh terms and expressing concern about how he might govern if given another term.
Mick Mulvaney (acting, January 2, 2019 – March 31, 2020): Mulvaney has presented a balanced view, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of the Trump administration. Although he expressed concern about some decisions, he is more immune to criticism than other former officials.
Mark Meadows (March 31, 2020 – January 20, 2021): Meadows has remained a staunch supporter of Trump, consistently supporting his actions both during and after his presidency. Despite facing scrutiny over her involvement in the January 6-related events, Meadows has continued to align with Trump’s political direction.