America’s First Female Chief-of-Staff: Get to Know Susie Wiles

November 8, 2024 TruthUSA

Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, making her the first female to hold this important non-elected position in Washington.

In his victory speech, Mr Trump praised her as an “ice maiden” and credited her for running his campaign effectively.

Here is what we know about her background:

Daughter of American footballer

Susie Wiles grew up in New Jersey. Her father was the late American footballer Pat Summerall who credited her with helping him overcome alcohol addiction.

Her political career began in the 1970s as an assistant to Jack Kemp, a Republican representative from New York.

She later worked on Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and as a White House scheduler during his term.

After that, she worked on the vice-presidential campaign for George H W Bush’s deputy Dan Quayle in 1988.

She then moved to Florida where she advised two Jacksonville mayors and worked as a lobbyist for various companies.

Mercury chief executive Keiran Mahoney praised her appointment to the Trump team, calling it “great news for the country.”

From DeSantis to Trump

In recent years, Ms Wiles has worked for some of the Republicans’ more divisive figures.

After helping Rick Scott become governor of Florida in 2010, she worked on Mr Trump’s 2016 campaign there.

With the Sunshine State win credited with helping Mr Trump take the White House, Ms Wiles was brought in to help Ron DeSantis’s ailing campaign to replace Mr Scott as governor in 2018.

Reports suggest that she clashed with Ron DeSantis after he was elected, which was evident when she led Mr Trump’s 2024 campaign against him.

It was rumored that she was involved in media stories that criticized Mr DeSantis.

‘Ice maiden’

Despite some setbacks, Mr Trump acknowledged Ms Wiles as an essential part of his 2020 presidential campaign.

She co-managed his campaign along with Chris LaCivita this year.

Upon her recent appointment, Mr Trump praised her as the “perfect pick” for her exceptional multitasking skills.

During the campaign, she also advocated for the tobacco company Swisher International.

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Throughout her political career, Susie Wiles has maintained a low profile and mostly avoided media attention.

In a 2016 interview with the Tampa Bay Times, she defended Mr Trump against criticism of his rhetoric, emphasizing his strengths and work ethic.

“The Donald Trump that I have come to know does not behave that way, and the lens that I look at him through, I don’t see any of that. I see strengths, I see smarts, I see a work ethic that is unparalleled,” she stated.

She is said to have been involved in targeting Latino and black voters during the campaign, crucial in diverting votes from the Democrats.

At a rally in Milwaukee, Mr Trump praised her as “incredible.”

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