Donald Trump's former campaign manager, Susie Wiles, is being considered as a front-runner for the position of White House chief of staff in the upcoming administration. Sources close to both individuals have indicated that Wiles is open to taking on the role, but she has expressed certain conditions to Trump before accepting.
One of Wiles' primary concerns is having more control over who can access the president in the Oval Office. This stems from past challenges faced by Trump's chiefs of staff in managing informal advisers, family members, and other individuals seeking to influence the president on various issues.
Wiles is credited with running what was perceived as Trump's most sophisticated and disciplined campaign, effectively keeping fringe voices at bay. Her experience in managing access to Trump during the campaign, including confronting him about maintaining boundaries with certain individuals, has positioned her as a trusted advisor within Trump's circle.
As the daughter of the late NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall and a seasoned political operative from Florida, Wiles has a strong background in political strategy. She played a key role in Trump's victory in Florida in 2020 and continued to serve as his de facto chief of staff during his post-presidency.
Despite her significant contributions, Wiles has often preferred to work behind the scenes, earning praise from Trump and his allies for her disciplined approach and ability to avoid the limelight. Several prominent figures, including Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, have publicly endorsed Wiles for the chief of staff position, citing her intelligence and effectiveness in managing campaigns.
If appointed as White House chief of staff, Wiles is expected to bring her strategic acumen and organizational skills to the role, potentially addressing the challenges of managing access to the president and streamlining decision-making processes within the administration.