President-elect Donald Trump has made a significant decision in his first move towards building his administration by naming Susie Wiles, the de facto manager of his victorious 2016 campaign, as his White House chief of staff. Wiles is set to make history as the first woman to hold this influential role.
Widely credited with orchestrating the most disciplined and well-executed campaign of Trump’s career, she was seen as the leading contender for the position. Her appointment marks a key step as Trump begins the process of assembling a team to govern the massive federal bureaucracy that awaits him in the Oval Office.
Although Wiles has largely remained out of the spotlight, she played a crucial role in the success of Trump’s campaign. She notably avoided taking the microphone during Trump’s victory speech, allowing him to bask in the limelight, and refrained from taking the formal title of campaign manager, instead operating in the background. This strategic move helped her avoid becoming a target, particularly given Trump’s history of cycling through campaign managers.
Wiles was able to maintain focus and discipline within Trump’s often chaotic campaign, setting her apart as a stabilizing force in an otherwise unpredictable environment.
Wiles’ appointment represents a critical test for the incoming Trump administration as he moves to fill key positions that will steer the direction of the White House and the federal government.
Her lack of experience in federal government roles has raised questions about her ability to navigate the complexities of Washington, but her deep and close relationship with Trump has given her an advantage. Those within Trump’s inner circle believe that her personal rapport with the president-elect will allow her to wield considerable influence in shaping the trajectory of his presidency.
Throughout the campaign, Wiles was able to do what few others had managed to do: she helped to control Trump’s famously impulsive behavior. Rather than resorting to confrontation or reprimanding Trump, she earned his respect by showing him that he was better off following her advice than ignoring it. This ability to manage Trump’s instincts and impulses is seen as one of her defining qualities, and it will likely serve her well as she takes on the challenges of her new role in the White House.
The history of Trump’s first term has been marked by a high level of personnel turnover, with the president-elect cycling through four chiefs of staff, including one who served in an acting capacity for a year. This tumultuous staffing dynamic was part of a broader pattern of personnel churn that plagued Trump’s administration, particularly during his early years in office. Many of his top aides were cast aside for various reasons, including a reluctance to be seen as being managed or condescended to, and conflicts between ideological factions within the White House often led to infighting that dominated news coverage.
As Trump prepares for his second term, there is hope among his aides that the selection of Wiles signals a new approach to leadership within the White House. Wiles has a reputation for building cohesive teams and focusing on achieving results, rather than getting bogged down by ideological disputes or personal rivalries. Many believe that her selection could lead to a more stable and less chaotic administration than the one Trump presided over during his first term.
However, the dynamics within the Trump administration are unlikely to resemble those of past administrations, whether Democratic or Republican. Wiles’ management style and approach to governance will likely be shaped by her experience in the business world and her close relationship with Trump. Her leadership may still be unconventional, but there is hope that her experience in managing Trump’s campaign can translate into success in managing his administration.
Trump’s first term was marred by significant internal conflict, with staffers often at odds over policy, strategy, and the direction of the White House. Trump’s decision to hire a mix of campaign aides, family members, and Republican insiders in 2016 led to a disjointed and inefficient transition process. This lack of careful planning, combined with a high turnover rate among key staff, ultimately hindered the president’s ability to effectively govern in the early days of his presidency.
By contrast, Wiles’ selection as chief of staff suggests that Trump may be seeking a more cohesive team this time around. She is known for her ability to maintain focus and discipline in high-pressure environments, and her relationship with Trump gives her the ability to influence his decision-making in ways that others have struggled to do. If she can build a stable and effective team around her, it could be a turning point for Trump’s administration, particularly as it enters a new phase.
While Wiles’ appointment is a significant development, it remains to be seen how she will navigate the complex dynamics of Washington. The challenges of managing a sprawling federal bureaucracy, balancing competing political interests, and maintaining Trump’s trust will test her leadership abilities. However, her past success in managing the Trump campaign gives her a strong foundation to build on as she prepares to take on the role of chief of staff.
Wiles’ hire is not just a victory for women in politics but also a sign that Trump is taking a more calculated approach to leadership in his second term. If she succeeds in her new role, she will cement her place in history as one of the most influential women in the history of the White House.
For now, all eyes will be on her as she steps into one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government, with the potential to shape the future of the Trump administration and its impact on the country.
