WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — For the first time in American history the high powered job of White House chief of staff, will be filled by a woman.
Now President-elect Donald Trump has selected Susie Wiles, the co-chair of his campaign and one of his longest standing advisors, to the position.
Wiles has a decades long history in politics and an extensive history in Florida.
Tonight, WPTV’s Michael Hoffman is digging into her resume and how that experience in the Sunshine State could effect us here
Susie Wiles has now been tapped as the new White House chief of staff, the position that many consider as one of the most powerful in Washington. She’ll oversee the directing, managing, and overseeing all policy development, daily operations and more for the president.
Trump
Trump announces Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff
“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 said in a statement Thursday. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected.”
In his West Palm Beach victory speech, Trump highlighted Wiles and her calm demeanor with a nickname, “The Ice Maiden.”
But, the Ice Maiden is no stranger to the heat of Florida politics. Before she joined Trump’s 2024 team, she had an extensive political career. The New Jersey born political strategist worked on teams from Ronald Reagan’s team to the Florida arm of Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns. She helped lead Sen. Rick Scott to victory as governor of Florida in 2010.
Since her appointment Scott took to X, posting:
“She knows how to build a great team, is a true leader, a trusted advisor and brilliant tactician.”
Wiles was also brought in to help the 2018 campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, before becoming co-chair of Trump’s 2024 run for the presidency after a falling out with DeSantis.
WPTV’s Michael Hoffman spoke with Michael Barnett, the former head of the Palm Beach County Republican Party.
“I think he made the perfect choice in Susie,” said Barnett. “She's smart, she's tough, and she knows how to foster and maintain relationships—not just with those at the highest levels of power, but also the grassroots people like me.”
Hoffman asked him how her appointment may affect us in South Florida.
“It will help create a strong, unified Republican front statewide with the highest levels of power in Florida,” said Barnett.
