Donald Trump announces Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff

US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 7) announced Susie Wiles as hisWhite House chief of staff.

Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, entrusted a top position to a political operative who helped the Republican candidate win the 2024 elections.

The appointment was the first of what is expected to be a flurry of staffing announcements as Trump prepares to return to the White House on January20.

As gatekeeper to the president, the chief of staff typically wields great influence. The person manages White House staff, organizes the president's time and schedule, and maintains contact with other government departments and lawmakers.

Wiles will be the first woman in US history to hold the position of chief of staff.

"Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected," Trump said.

“Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well-deserved honour to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history,” the Republican further added.

Who is Susie Wiles?

Wiles is widely known in Trump's circle and beyond for managing Trump's most disciplined and effective campaign till date.

She maintained a low profile throughout the election campaign, declining even to speak on the stage during Trump's victory celebration.

She even avoided taking the official title of Trump's campaign manager.

Wiles lacks federal government experience but she is known to have a close connection with the Republicans.

She served as a senior adviser on Trump's 2016 and 2020 bids.

The daughter of legendary NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, Wiles entered politics in 1980 while working for the election campaign of Ronald Reagan.

Chris Whipple, the author of The Gatekeepers (A book which explores how the White House chief of staff influences a presidency), said Wiles is the one who knows how to "manage Trump."

"She’s shown that she can manage Trump, that she works with him and can sometimes tell him hard truths, and that’s important,” he said.

According to Trump aides quoted by the Associated Press, Wiles is seen as someone who can guide Trump’s moods and impulses without attempting to hold him back.

(With inputs from agencies)