What does the White House Chief of Staff do for The President? All about Susie Wiles as Trump makes historic appointment
Donald Trump has honored Susie Wiles, his campaign co-chair with the responsibility of the White House Chief of Staff once he takes over the office next year. Susie, born Susan Summerall Wiles, becomes the first female candidate in US history to be appointed in this role.
While making the announcement on Thursday, November 7, Trump cited Susie's contribution in his attainment of election victory against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris:
"Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns."
Trump praised the 67-year-old political consultant as "tough, smart, innovative" and as someone who is "universally admired and respected". He added:
"It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female chief of staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud."
As stated on White House's official wesbite, the White House Chief of Staff is vested with leadership over the Executive Office of the President (EOP). The particular tasks of the appointee can differ per the presidency, but the common duties entail advising the President on policies, hiring, and managing the White House staff members.
The Chief of Staff also manages confidential information and is conferred with the duty to pass on every necessary detail to the President. The appointee generally hires the staff members in their respective roles in compliance with the President's approach to operating the office.
Involving the White House staff in discussions, and meetings to contribute to the decision-making process is another area the Chief of Staff must ensure.
Trump addresses the new White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles as the "Ice Maiden"
While delivering his victory speech on Wednesday, November 6, after the election results were out, Donald Trump encouraged Susie Wiles to come forward on the podium. He lauded her for her work, and introduced her to the crowd:
"Susie likes to stay sort of in the back, let me tell you. The Ice Maiden. We call her the Ice Maiden."
As Susie, who is known for keeping a low profile, reportedly turned down Trump's request to speak before the audience, the President-elect said:
"Look at this, she’s shy. I’ve never seen her be shy before. Susie!"
Susie's late father Pat Summerall was a noted NFL player and a sports commentator. She has been involved in politics for more than four decades. According to her LinkedIn profile, Susie first worked for the Republican contender and the eventual 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan's election campaign in 1980.
Susie Wiles made a significant contribution to Florida's politics. As per the 'experience' section on her LinkedIn profile, she worked for Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney as his chief of staff in the 1990s. Her most notable contribution was turning former businessman Rick Scott into Florida's 45th Governor within a few months. Scott served the state from 2011 to 2019.
After meeting Donald Trump in 2015, Susie Wiles became his campaign co-chair for Florida. Trump eventually won the 2016 election, defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
With her longstanding experience in running campaigns, Susie Wiles helped Ron DeSantis secure the position of Florida's Governor in 2019. Susie has also worked for other Republican political figures throughout her career, including George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, and Jack Kemp to name a few.