Trump’s first appointment was Susie Wiles, nicknamed the Ice Maiden. This woman previously worked with Ronald Reagan and played a key role in Trump’s return to the White House.
Susie Wiles will be the first woman to hold this position. Trump chose her not only because of their long relationship, but also because she knows his family well and has the necessary experience to handle running the White House. She showed her talents amid the chaotic style of Trump, who went through four chiefs of staff during his first term.
Wiles participated in Trump’s 2016 and 2020 elections. She initially held lower positions but later played a key role in organizing his campaign to return to the White House in 2021. After Trump lost the 2020 election and left office, she became his only remaining strategist on the team. Her tasks also included interacting with lawyers working on Trump’s various cases.
Trump himself praised Wiles, calling her “tough, smart and innovative.” He expressed confidence that she would be a source of pride for the country. The decision stands in stark contrast to his choice in 2016, when Trump named Reince Priebus, a stranger to him, as his chief of staff.
The peculiarity of Wiles’ work is that she provided Trump with support among Latinos and African Americans – an electorate that traditionally votes for Democrats. In the White House, the role of the chief of staff is traditionally considered one of the most powerful after the president, as the person drives the agenda and serves as a gatekeeper of sorts for the president. Despite this, Trump, a proponent of a less hierarchical model of governance, has often resisted creating rigid structures and rules in his administration.
Susie Wiles is the daughter of football legend Pat Summerall, mother of two daughters and grandmother. Her career began in the 1970s, when she worked in Washington and was part of the campaign staff of Ronald Reagan. She went on to hold various positions at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners.
Unlike many other Trump employees, Wiles prefers to remain in the shadows and avoids publicity. When Trump spoke after his November 6 election victory, he twice tried to get Wiles to come to the microphone, but she refused. He, in turn, admired her ability to remain calm, calling her an “ice maiden.”
Let us recall that “Cursor” wrote that Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections led to a significant increase in interest in emergency contraception, abortifacients and gender affirmation drugs in the country.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Emily Hartman
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Hartman! Today, we’re diving into a significant recent development in U.S. politics—former President Donald Trump’s appointment of Susie Wiles, affectionately nicknamed the Ice Maiden, as his chief strategist. What’s your immediate reaction to this choice?
Dr. Emily Hartman: Thank you for having me! This appointment is not just a strategic move; it’s a historic one. Susie Wiles is set to be the first woman in this role, marking a notable shift in Trump’s inner circle. Her long-standing relationship with him and deep understanding of his family dynamics signal that he’s placing a lot of trust in her abilities.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Wiles has extensive experience, having worked with Ronald Reagan and leading roles in Trump’s previous campaigns. What specific skills do you think she brings to the table that make her suitable for what is often a chaotic environment?
Dr. Emily Hartman: Wiles has an impressive track record, especially in high-pressure situations. Her experience with Trump during the 2016 and 2020 elections showcases her ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Given that Trump went through four chiefs of staff in his first term, having someone like Wiles, who knows how to operate within his unique style, is invaluable. She’s not just tough but also innovative—qualities that Trump admires.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the chaotic environment. Trump’s administration faced significant turbulence. How do you think Wiles will manage the expectations and pressures from both Trump and his detractors this time around?
Dr. Emily Hartman: Wiles has already proven her capability in orchestrating responses during challenging situations. Her role will require her to mediate between Trump’s often impulsive decision-making and the diverse interests of his base and party leadership. Given her understanding of his strategy, I believe she’ll need to be proactive and agile, adapting to the fluctuating political climate while keeping Trump’s objectives intact.
Time.news Editor: It’s also interesting to note that after Trump’s loss in 2020, Wiles became his last remaining strategist. How might her ongoing relationship with Trump influence his current agenda as he prepares for potential campaigns?
Dr. Emily Hartman: This continuity is crucial. Wiles has likely gained significant insight into Trump’s desires and priorities, particularly after the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election. Her knowledge of his needs allows her to craft strategies that are not only responsive but also foresighted. Given that she’s been integrated into his circle during both wins and losses, her counsel will likely steer him toward a more strategic approach as he plans for the future.
Time.news Editor: Trump has publicly praised Wiles, calling her “tough, smart, and innovative.” What do these traits mean in the context of the political landscape we currently face?
Dr. Emily Hartman: Those traits are essential in today’s polarized environment. Being “tough” indicates resilience in the face of criticism. “Smart” points to strategic thinking that can outmaneuver opponents, and “innovative” reflects her ability to think outside the box. Collectively, these qualities will not only help keep the Trump campaign relevant but also enable them to navigate an increasingly complex political battlefield where traditional tactics may no longer be effective.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what do you think will be the biggest challenge Wiles faces in her new role?
Dr. Emily Hartman: The biggest challenge will likely be managing the internal dynamics of Trump’s team and the external pressures from both political adversaries and a shifting voter base. She must balance the demands from Trump for quick action against the need for a broader, more inclusive strategic approach—as he seeks to re-establish himself as a leading figure in American politics.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hartman. This insightful discussion sheds light on the complexities of political strategy and the significance of this pivotal appointment. It will certainly be interesting to watch how Wiles navigates her role as Trump’s chief strategist.
Dr. Emily Hartman: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.