President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will take on the role of White House Chief of Staff, placing significant trust in a political strategist who played a key role in his election victory.
This appointment marks the first in what is anticipated to be a series of staffing announcements as Trump prepares to return to the White House on January 20.
The Chief of Staff, a pivotal role, acts as the president’s gatekeeper, managing White House staff, organising the president’s schedule, and liaising with other government departments and lawmakers.
Trump said in a statement, “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected.
“I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
Wiles, a seasoned political strategist based in Florida, along with fellow campaign manager Chris LaCivita, are credited with leading a more disciplined campaign for Trump’s third presidential run compared to his previous ones.
Trump acknowledged their efforts during his victory speech early Wednesday morning, stating, “Susie likes to stay in the back, let me tell you.
“We call her the ice maiden.”
Wiles, who played a role in Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and aided Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in his 2018 election victory, also served as a senior adviser on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns.
Trump selected Wiles over former House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican and close ally who often frequents Mar-a-Lago. Sources indicated that McCarthy was a contender, along with Brooke Rollins, the former acting director of Trump’s Domestic Policy Council.
Frances Ibiefo
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