Yes, for real.
67-year-old Susie Wiles' answer to The New York Times' question about whether she's nervous about her new job seems sincere. But she also has confidence in her own abilities. The chaos that reigned in the White House during Trump's first term is not in line with her work methods.
I've heard about it. I'm pretty sure I can instill order among the staff this time, she says.
Wiles, known as a thoughtful and appreciated mentor for many younger campaign workers, has made it clear that she doesn't welcome colleagues who want to go solo, become stars, or create drama in any other way.
It's counterproductive for the mission, she says to Axios.
Tight Grip
Susie Wiles ended up in the spotlight at Donald Trump's election party in West Palm Beach in November. The future president introduced his then-campaign manager as "tough, smart, innovative" and wanted to hand over the microphone to her.
But Wiles declined with a smile. It's well known that she prefers to work in the background.
That doesn't mean that the silver-haired campaign strategist, who has been a political consultant and lobbyist in Florida for decades, lacks a firm grip. In the USA, she is praised for the "feat" of having run a Trump campaign without major scandals, leaks, or defections.
Susie, what do you think? Trump is reported to ask several times a day.
According to media, it's Wiles' merit that the Republican focused so much on the economy in his campaign speeches. And she's said to be behind the decision to open the doors for ex-Democrat Robert F Kennedy, whom Trump now wants as health minister, as well as being the one who ensured a short-term budget agreement in Congress before Christmas.
Five Hours
Now she has her full focus forward. During the approximately five hours she spends by Trump's side daily (she's a morning person and he likes evenings, they work together between 2 pm and 7 pm) they tackle appointments to high posts, formulate presidential decrees, and hone realpolitik.
Wiles often emphasizes that she bossed over a campaign, not over Donald Trump. But she has still pondered some of her boss's more controversial actions, such as the mass rally he held before the deadly Capitol storming on January 6, 2021.
I don't think he went there and said "I'll create a riot in the Capitol and people will act destructively, some will get hurt and die". Never, never did he think that, she says to The New York Times.
Born in 1957 in New Jersey. Has a degree in English from the University of Maryland. Her father, Pat Summerall, was a well-known player in American football and later a sports commentator.
A Republican from a young age. Became a scheduler at the age of 23 on future President Ronald Reagan's campaign. Moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked as a chief of staff and advisor to several mayors.
Ran a lobbying firm and became a prominent figure in Florida's political life. Was chief of staff for Rick Scott's successful gubernatorial campaign and helped Ron DeSantis become Scott's successor – before the two fell out.
Met Donald Trump for the first time in 2015 and surprised the world by saying that he has presidential qualities. Worked on Trump's Florida campaign in 2016.
Chief of Trump's presidential campaign in 2024, together with Chris LaCivita. Now becomes the White House's first female chief of staff.
Was married to Lanny Wiles, who also worked politically, between 1985 and 2017. Has two daughters and several grandchildren.
Sources: Politico, CBS, Axios, and others
