President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, the de facto manager of his winning campaign, as White House chief of staff, marking her as the first woman to hold this influential position.
Wiles, widely credited both within Trump’s circle and externally for leading a disciplined and effective campaign, was viewed as the top candidate for the role. She maintained a low profile throughout the campaign, even declining to speak at Trump’s victory celebration early Wednesday. She avoided the formal title of campaign manager, sidestepping potential backlash, given Trump’s history of frequent staffing changes in that role.
This appointment is Trump’s first significant decision as president-elect and will be crucial as he builds his team to manage the federal government. While Wiles brings limited federal experience, her close relationship with Trump has been pivotal. On the campaign trail, she achieved what few others have—earning Trump’s respect and guiding his impulses, not through reprimands but by showing him the benefits of her advice.
Trump’s transition into office eight years ago was marked by staffing challenges, as he bypassed his prepared transition plan and instead assembled a team of campaign aides, family, and Republican insiders. This team was plagued by internal conflicts, a misstep that many believe hampered his first term. Trump went through four chiefs of staff during that period, creating a record-breaking level of turnover as aides clashed over management style and ideology.
Aides are optimistic that Wiles’ selection signals Trump’s intent to form a more cohesive team, though they acknowledge it will likely retain his unique, unconventional approach compared to previous Democratic or Republican administrations.