Fri Nov 08 16:04:53 UTC 2024: ## Trump Taps Veteran Strategist Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff

**WASHINGTON** – President-elect Donald Trump has chosen veteran Florida political strategist Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, elevating her from a behind-the-scenes role as campaign co-chair to the powerful position of the president’s closest advisor. Wiles, who has a long history in political circles, will be the first woman to hold this key position.

Wiles’s political career spans decades, starting with a stint in the Washington office of New York Rep. Jack Kemp in the 1970s. She went on to work on Ronald Reagan’s campaign and served as a scheduler in his White House. After moving to Florida, she advised two Jacksonville mayors and worked for Rep. Tillie Fowler, before rising to prominence in statewide campaigns.

Wiles is credited with playing a pivotal role in businessman Rick Scott’s victory in the Florida gubernatorial race. She later managed Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign and spearheaded Trump’s successful 2016 Florida effort, which proved crucial to his overall victory.

In 2018, she helped elect Ron DeSantis as Florida’s governor, but their relationship later soured, leading to DeSantis urging Trump’s 2020 campaign to sever ties with Wiles. Despite the rift, Wiles ultimately went on to lead Trump’s primary campaign against DeSantis, ultimately trouncing the Florida governor.

Wiles’s selection as chief of staff has been met with mixed reactions. Some praise her political acumen and her ability to manage Trump’s impulses. Others point to her history of contentious relationships and her often controversial tactics.

Regardless of the political climate, Wiles’s appointment marks a significant moment in the Trump administration. As chief of staff, she will be responsible for managing the White House, executing the president’s agenda, and acting as a gatekeeper to the Oval Office.

Trump has previously expressed regret over his hiring choices in his first term, saying he was new to Washington and didn’t know any better. With Wiles at the helm, he hopes to avoid those past mistakes and build a more successful administration.

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