DONALD Trump has made his first White House appointment after naming Republican presidential campaign boss Susie Wiles as the White House chief-of-staff
Dubbed “Ice Maiden”, Wiles is said to be one of the most feared political operatives in America – and will now be the first-ever woman to hold the highly-powerful position.
GettyLifelong Republican and senior advisor to Donald Trump Susie Wiles is set to become the next White House Chief of Staff[/caption]
AFPTrump greets his campaign manager Susie Wiles during the election victory event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center[/caption]
ReutersWiles is the first female to hold the powerful position[/caption]
Wiles is known for her excellent and courageous role as Donald Trump’s campaign manager in his successful 2024 election run.
The senior advisor to Trump masterminded many of his pivotal moments from the campaign – and helped him dominate against the Democrats when America took to the polls.
Her manager was among the list of people Trump first thanked before his win was even officially announced.
He said: “Susie likes to stay in the back, let me tell you … We call her the ice maiden.”
Wiles’ appointment was the first of what is expected to be a flurry of staffing announcements as Trump prepares for a return to the White House on January 20.
As gatekeeper to the president, the chief of staff typically wields great influence.
The person manages White House staff, organizes the president’s time and schedule, and maintains contact with other government departments and lawmakers.
Described by Politico as Trump’s “most feared and important adviser”, she has worked in politics for over four decades.
She helped out Trump in all three of his election runs starting back in 2016 when he defeated Hillary Clinton.
While Wiles is said to be friendly in person, her nature as a political strategist is hard to understand.
She has barely given any televised interviews – and avoids speaking engagements.
Her personality contrasted with that of LaCivita, who was notably garrulous and outspoken.
The New Jersey native studied at the University of Maryland before heading into the world of politics.
The now 67-year-old started out her career as a campaign scheduler for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential run-in.
She then worked for John Delaney as a chief of staff in Jacksonville.
The lifelong Republican has also helped out the likes of Jon Huntsman Jr, John Peyton and Rick Scott.
Trump often referenced Wiles on the campaign trail, publicly praising her leadership of what he said he was often told was his “best-run campaign”.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected,” Trump said in a statement.
“I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
In one of his last appearances at a rally in Pennsylvania – just before election day – Trump reportedly went a little off-script – and Wiles was seen standing near the stage and appearing to glare at him.
Trump seemed to acknowledge his adviser’s efforts to keep him in check while he delivers his speeches.
“I’m allowed to do that, aren’t I, Susan Wiles?” he mused while speaking.
Wiles got her start working for Republican President Ronald Reagan’s successful 1980 campaign.
For years, she worked with some moderate Republicans who promoted dramatically different policies than those of Trump.
Early in her career, she worked for Republican U.S. representatives Jack Kemp, an ardent advocate of free trade, and Tillie Fowler, who was widely considered a moderate on several issues, including gun control.
She also served briefly as the manager of former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.’s 2012 presidential campaign. Huntsman was arguably the most moderate Republican in the field that year. He sharply criticized Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump’s supporters.
Later in her career, Wiles started working for more combative party figures, some of whom would become Trump allies, including U.S. Senator Rick Scott of Florida.
Susie Wiles’ rise to power
1980 – kicked off her career as a worker in Republican President Ronald Reagan’s successful election campaign.
2012 – worked for former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.’s 2012 presidential campaign
2016 – successfully executed Trump’s presidential campaign
2018 – managed Ron DeSantis’ successful 2018 Florida gubernatorial campaign
2020 – managed Trump’s election campaign
2024 – led a successful Republican campaign to push Trump to become the 47th president; elected as the first White House Chief of Staff
Who else will Trump move into the White House?
The weeks between now and January 20, when Trump settles inside the White House, will be crucial for crafting his administration staff.
Some 4,000 government positions need to be filled – including a slew of top cabinet roles and the next secretary of state.
He has previously said tech tycoon pal Elon Musk will be given a role as “secretary of cost-cutting”, heading up a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
This means Musk could have carte blanche to cut down on the US federal bureaucracy that he says is holding America back.
Senator Marco Rubio – once touted as a potential VP – is likely in the running for secretary of state.
Robert F Kennedy Jr – a well-known vaccine sceptic – abandoned his own bid for the presidency in August to back Trump.
The new President-elect has pledged to give him a role focusing on health policy.
He has previously shared widely debunked claims about the link between vaccinations and autism in children – as well as those offered during the Covid pandemic.
One of his first policies, he has said, would be to have fluoride removed from all water systems in the US.
During Trump’s first term in office his daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were senior advisors.
In June last year, he said it was “too painful for the family” to have close relatives in office – suggesting the same may not happen this time around.
However his other sons, Donald Jr and Eric – have been prominent figures on the campaign trail with Eric’s wife Lara working as the co-chair of the Republican Party.
Former CIA director Mike Pompeo is reportedly in the running for secretary of defence – or some such role in national intelligence and security.
Fans have urged Trump to give UFC boss Dana White a role in his administration – particularly after White appeared with him on stage in Florida for the victory speech.
Billionaire hedge fund manager, long-time pal of Trump and huge campaign donor John Paulson is a contender for treasury secretary.
He told associates he would be interested in the job – and holds a similar stance to Trump on tax cuts and deregulation.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
