As President-elect Trump prepares to begin his second administration and become the 47th President of the United States, he is deliberately and carefully choosing his inner circle this go-around and refuses to settle with a predetermined staff of disloyal figures who, in his previous administration, set out to sabotage his authority and dismantle his policies.
Chief of staff
Trump’s first announcement came shortly after his historical, and some may disagree, clear landslide victory defeating a failed Biden Administration VP in Kamala Harris. President-elect Trump has chosen Susie Wiles, the engineer behind his massive campaign win, as his Chief of Staff. But who is she and just what does a Chief of Staff really command as a whole?
Susie Wiles is a seasoned American political consultant whose career spans several decades and includes significant roles in various high-profile campaigns. Born Susan Summerall on May 14, 1957, in New Jersey, she is the daughter of Pat Summerall, a former NFL player and renowned sportscaster. Wiles’s upbringing in a family deeply connected to sports and media provided her with unique insights into public relations and communication, skills that would later prove invaluable in her political endeavors. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Early Career and Political Involvement
Wiles began her political journey in 1979 as an assistant to Representative Jack Kemp, a former teammate of her father on the New York Giants. This role marked her entry into the political arena, allowing her to develop a foundational understanding of legislative processes and constituent relations. In 1980, she joined Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign as a scheduler, a position that involved coordinating the candidate’s appearances and managing the campaign’s logistical aspects. Following Reagan’s victory, Wiles served as a special assistant to the president in the Executive Office from 1981 to 1982, where she gained firsthand experience in the workings of the federal government.
Transition to State and Local Politics
After her tenure in the federal government, Wiles shifted her focus to state and local politics. In the 1990s, she served as chief of staff to John Delaney, the mayor of Jacksonville, Florida. This role involved overseeing the mayor’s office operations and implementing policy initiatives aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure and public services. Wiles also worked for U.S. Representative Tillie Fowler, further expanding her experience in legislative affairs and constituent services.
From 2004 to 2009, Wiles advised Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, providing strategic guidance on policy development and political strategy. Her expertise in campaign management and public relations was instrumental in advancing the mayor’s agenda and enhancing the city’s profile.
Campaign Management and Consulting
Wiles’s reputation as an effective campaign manager was solidified during the 2010 Florida gubernatorial election, where she played a pivotal role in electing businessman Rick Scott. Scott, considered an outsider with limited connections to the Florida Republican Party, benefited from Wiles’s strategic acumen and deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. Her ability to craft compelling messages and mobilize grassroots support was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by Scott’s outsider status.
In January 2011, Wiles was appointed as the campaign manager for former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s presidential bid. However, she resigned from the campaign in July 2011, citing personal reasons. During this period, she co-founded a consulting firm with former Jacksonville Jaguars player Tony Boselli, focusing on public affairs and strategic communications.
Wiles also led the Tallahassee-based lobbying firm Ballard Partners for nearly a decade before departing in September 2019 due to health concerns. Her tenure at Ballard Partners was marked by successful advocacy efforts on behalf of various clients, leveraging her extensive network and political expertise.
Involvement with Donald Trump’s Campaigns
Wiles’s association with Donald Trump began in the 2016 presidential election, where she managed his campaign operations in Florida. Her strategic planning and organizational skills were instrumental in securing a victory in this crucial swing state. In 2018, she was deputized by Trump to assist Ron DeSantis’s gubernatorial campaign in Florida. DeSantis, in his victory speech, referred to Wiles as the “best in the business,” acknowledging her significant contribution to his campaign’s success.
However, tensions between Wiles and DeSantis emerged, leading to her dismissal as a top advisor in 2019. Reports suggest that DeSantis sought to install his own allies within the state party, resulting in a strategic realignment that excluded Wiles. This development was perceived by some as a setback to Trump’s re-election efforts in Florida, given Wiles’s proven track record in the state.
In March 2021, Wiles was appointed as the CEO of Trump’s Save America PAC, a role that placed her at the helm of the former president’s political operations. Her leadership was characterized by efforts to consolidate support among Trump’s base and coordinate fundraising activities. By April 2021, she was recognized as a central figure in Trump’s political orbit, wielding considerable influence over key aides and campaign strategies.
As of January 2023, Wiles was serving as a top political advisor for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, working alongside other senior aides to strategize and execute campaign initiatives. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the political landscape have been invaluable assets to the campaign.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Wiles’s career has not been without controversy. In the 2023 federal indictment of Donald Trump concerning the mishandling of classified documents, an individual referred to as “PAC Representative” was alleged to have been shown a classified map related to a military operation. Sources identified this individual as Susie Wiles, bringing her under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation. This development raised questions about her involvement and the potential legal implications of her actions.
Additionally, Wiles’s departure from Ballard Partners in 2019 was officially attributed to health issues. However, some reports suggest that internal conflicts and strategic disagreements may have also played a role in her exit. These incidents highlight the complex dynamics and challenges inherent in high-stakes political consulting.
Personal Life
Wiles was married to Lanny Wiles, a fellow Republican political operative, with whom she moved to Jacksonville in 1985. The couple divorced in 2017. Following Trump’s inauguration, her daughter, Caroline Wiles, was hired by the White House as deputy assistant to the president and director of scheduling. However, Caroline resigned from her position in February 2017 after failing a background check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A Commanding Success
Susie Wiles’s career reflects a trajectory of significant influence and strategic acumen within American politics. From her early days working with Jack Kemp and Ronald Reagan to her pivotal roles in state and national campaigns, she has demonstrated a capacity to navigate complex political landscapes effectively. While her career has been marked by notable successes, it has also encountered controversies and
