Yes, for real.
67-year-old Susie Wiles' response to The New York Times' question about whether she is nervous about her new job seems genuine. But she also has confidence in her own abilities. The chaos that reigned in the White House during Trump's first term does not align 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 to many younger campaign workers, has made it clear that she does not welcome colleagues who want to go solo, become stars, or create drama in any other way.
It's counterproductive to the mission, she says to Axios.
Tight Grip
Susie Wiles was in the spotlight on Donald Trump's election night in West Palm Beach in November. The future president presented his then-campaign manager as "tough, smart, innovative" and wanted to hand over the microphone to her.
But Wiles declined with a smile. It is well known that she prefers to work in the background.
That does not 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 "achieving" 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 is Wiles' merit that the Republican focused so much on the economy in his campaign speeches. And she is said to be behind the decision to open the doors to former Democrat Robert F Kennedy, whom Trump now wants as health minister, as well as ensuring a short-term budget agreement in Congress before Christmas.
Five Hours
Now she has full focus ahead. During the approximately five hours she spends by Trump's side daily (she is a morning person and he likes evenings, they work together between 2 pm and 7 pm) they handle appointments to high posts, formulate presidential decrees, and hone realpolitik.
Wiles often emphasizes that she was in charge of a campaign, not over Donald Trump. But she has still pondered over 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'm going to create a riot in the Capitol and people will act destructively, some will get hurt and die". Never, never thought 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 23-year-old scheduler on future President Ronald Reagan's campaign. Moved to Jacksonville in Florida, where she worked as 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 with Trump's Florida campaign in 2016.
Chief of Trump's presidential campaign in 2024, along with Chris LaCivita. 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
