President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, the de facto manager of his successful 2016 campaign, as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold the influential position.
Wiles is widely credited with overseeing one of Trump’s most disciplined and well-executed campaigns. She had long been considered the leading candidate for the role, though she largely kept a low profile throughout the campaign. Even after Trump’s victory in November 2016, she declined to take the microphone during his victory speech, opting instead to stay out of the spotlight. She also resisted taking the formal title of campaign manager, preferring to avoid drawing attention amid Trump’s frequent reshuffling of campaign staff.
Wiles’ appointment is the first major decision made by Trump since his election, and it signals the start of his efforts to assemble a team to run the federal government. While she lacks significant experience in federal government positions, Wiles has a close working relationship with the president-elect and is seen as a trusted confidante.
Throughout the campaign, Wiles managed to do what few others could: help control Trump’s often unpredictable impulses. Rather than reprimanding him, she earned his respect by demonstrating that he was better off following her advice than ignoring it.
Trump’s first transition into office in 2016 was marred by internal turmoil, as he brought in a mix of campaign aides, family members, and Republican insiders, many of whom clashed and engaged in constant infighting. This lack of a cohesive team has been widely regarded as a major misstep, hindering his ability to navigate Washington’s complexities once in office.
In his first term, Trump cycled through four chiefs of staff, including one who served in an acting capacity for a year, part of a broader trend of high turnover in his administration. Many top aides were dismissed after clashes with Trump, who often resented being managed or criticized, while others were caught in factional disputes within the White House.
Trump’s advisers hope that Wiles’ selection marks a shift toward building a more stable and unified team, though it is expected that her leadership will still maintain the unorthodox style that has characterized Trump’s political approach.
