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Already on Wednesday, a few hours after the election victory, Susie Wiles was considered one of Donald Trump’s few safe choices for the next administration. There was also first official appointment the president-elect, as head of the cabinet: it is an extremely sensitive and powerful role. The chief of staff also has much more influence and delegation than the vice president: Wiles is the first woman to hold this position.
Wiles is not particularly well known in Washington circles, where she has not worked for many years, but she is highly respected as a campaign organizer: many recognize her extensive talents in Trump’s victory, for being able to reduce chaos to a minimum possible. after studying a winning strategy .
Wiles is 67 years old and has worked with Trump since 2016. She became a key collaborator in 2021, when she agreed to deal with Trump’s political career, which was almost over, after the victory in the 2020 presidential elections and the attack on Congress. She asked for and got almost complete power and reporting only to Trump: Chris LaCivita recently joined her as her national campaign manager remove in a scandal of embezzlement of election funds and for this reason now with a reduced role.
Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles in 2023 (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Those who work with Trump say that Wiles is one of the few people who can manage and limit the ex-president’s excess of anger, but also that she is particularly determined and determined. She was the one who made him change his opinion on postal voting: in 2020 Trump called it a scam, in 2024 he invited the Republicans to use it, with great results. But she and LaCivita defined the campaign’s themes, core messages and focused on seeking the vote of young men, including among African-American and Latino minorities.
Wiles does not like being a public figure and in the early years with Trump avoided even being in photographs. After Tuesday night’s victory Trump called her to the stage to give a short speech, but she declined to do so.
For that reason she is considered well-suited for the position of cabinet leader, the most powerful role among those who do not require an election (or even a Senate confirmation vote). The chief of staff manages a vast political and operational team and plays a central role in defining White House strategies, from the laws to be debated and approved to the communication of government action. It determines political priorities and organizes international crisis management. Perhaps the most important role, however, is that of the “filter”: it determines which decisions the president should make personally and which can be delegated, as well as a say to have as to whom he should meet.
Wiles never did this job, except decades ago at a much lower level, for the mayor of Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout his career he has organized election campaigns in Florida, starting from Rick Scott’s winning campaign in 2010 for the governor’s office: he worked for Republican politicians such as Mitt Romney, before taking a job in the state for a campaign Trump in 2016. Then there was his Criticism of the choice and it was considered “strange”: Trump was outside classic conservative political circles, and the whole party was against him.
Susie Wiles during one of Trump’s last rallies, Nov. 3 (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Wiles campaigned in Florida in 2016 and 2020 and is also considered one of the people responsible for the progressive increase in popularity and power of the Republican party in the state, also thanks to the support of non-white minorities. In 2018 he worked on the campaign of Ron DeSantis for the governor: immediately after the victory, the two relations broke. Wiles says she was excluded “without reason” from the governor’s inner circle of aides, who then convinced Trump to fire her. She was hired a year later.
When DeSantis ran in the Republican primaries last year, Wiles used her knowledge of the governor to recommend Trump the right options to attack him: DeSantis’ candidacy never happened, when he withdrew she commented social networks, in one of his rare posts, «Goodbye Goodbye» (later post deleted).
Now he will have to face a new and very complex role. The first Trump administration was characterized by some chaos, many leaks and constant staff changes: between 2016 and 2020 92 percent of White House employees of the highest level that began the mandate did not end. Today Trump seems determined to surround himself with people with more “loyalty”, who are better known and for a longer period of time, even if the relationship and the influences of two of the characters who helped (to varying degrees) make his election a reality. : billionaire Elon Musk and former independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today we’re diving into a significant political development: Susie Wiles’ recent appointment as Chief of Staff to President-elect Donald Trump. Joining us is Dr. Jane McCall, a political analyst and expert in campaign strategies. Thank you for being here, Dr. McCall.
Dr. McCall: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in American politics.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Susie Wiles is not just any campaign organizer; she’s made history as the first woman to hold the Chief of Staff position in a Trump administration. What does her appointment signify for the future of leadership in the White House, specifically regarding gender dynamics?
Dr. McCall: Wiles’ appointment is indeed a historic moment. It signals a potential shift towards a more inclusive leadership model within a party that has often struggled with gender representation at the highest levels. Wiles has proven her capability by managing campaigns successfully, which suggests that the administration might be valuing competence and results over traditional political pedigree.
Editor: Speaking of her management style, she has been described as someone who can reign in Trump’s more chaotic tendencies. How critical do you think her role will be in shaping the day-to-day operations of the White House?
Dr. McCall: It’s crucial. The Chief of Staff is essentially the gatekeeper to the president, determining which issues require his direct attention and which can be delegated. Given Trump’s well-known volatile nature, Wiles will need to balance firmness with diplomacy. Her ability to channel Trump’s focus towards constructive outputs could be key in navigating the challenges ahead.
Editor: Wiles changed Trump’s stance on mail-in voting from a “scam” in 2020 to encouraging its use in 2024. How does this reflect on her influence within the campaign?
Dr. McCall: That shift illustrates Wiles’ understanding of electoral dynamics and strategic adaptability. It’s not just about holding a position of power; it’s about understanding the electorate and making decisions that maximize voter turnout. Wiles clearly has the ability to not only manage but also educate and influence Trump’s decision-making process, which is vital for a successful campaign.
Editor: It’s also been pointed out that Wiles prefers to stay out of the public eye. How might this impact her effectiveness in a role that traditionally requires a level of public visibility?
Dr. McCall: Wiles’ preference for privacy could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows her to operate more freely without the pressure of the media spotlight. On the other hand, it might pose challenges in communicating effectively with the public and rallying support for the administration’s initiatives. However, her track record suggests she understands how to work behind the scenes effectively.
Editor: Given her past experiences and connections to GOP figures like Rick Scott and Mitt Romney, how do you see her navigating the current Republican landscape, especially with the divisions that exist?
Dr. McCall: Wiles is familiar with both establishment and emerging factions within the GOP, which positions her well to act as a bridge. Her experience with Trump in 2016, when many in the party were skeptical, provides her with the insight needed to navigate differing opinions. She’ll need to be strategic in her approach to unify the party, particularly as they prepare for future elections.
Editor: what do you think will be the most significant challenges for Wiles as she steps into this unprecedented role?
Dr. McCall: The challenges will be multifaceted. She will need to manage not only the operational aspects of the White House but also negotiate Trump’s relationships with Congress, the public, and international leaders. Handling the fallout from past controversies and ensuring that the administration addresses the concerns of a diverse electorate will be critical to her success in this role.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. McCall, for your insights today. Wiles’ appointment is undoubtedly a pivotal moment, and it will be interesting to see how she navigates the complexities of her role as Chief of Staff.
Dr. McCall: My pleasure! It’s a fascinating time, and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
