On Thursday evening, news broke that Susie Wiles had been appointed as Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff—a move that felt inevitable to those familiar with her trajectory, yet surprising to many who had never heard her name.
To Trump’s inner circle, Wiles’ selection at age 67 is a natural culmination of her nearly decade-long role as one of Trump’s most trusted advisers. Yet, for those outside the know, Wiles remains an enigma. What makes her so indispensable to a man who has cycled through political operatives with breakneck speed?
Michael Kruse, who profiled Wiles earlier this year, described her as a rare blend of quiet efficiency, political savvy, and strategic ruthlessness. We spoke with Kruse to unpack the forces that have shaped Wiles’ career and her remarkable ability to navigate the tumultuous world of Trump’s orbit.
Unlike many in Trump’s circle, Wiles has no appetite for the limelight. Her influence is pervasive but invisible, ensuring she plays a central role in Trump’s decision-making without drawing attention to herself.
“She doesn’t seek or attract attention,” Kruse said. “Since Trump became the dominant figure in American politics, nobody has been as important or as close to him in this role for as long as she has.”
Wiles’ ability to remain behind the scenes underscores her skill set. During Trump’s campaigns in 2016 and 2020, she ran his Florida operations, helping secure a crucial swing state. Her continued presence in Trump’s circle, now as chief of staff, is less an appointment and more a recognition of the role she’s already been playing.
Wiles’ upbringing offers insight into her resilience and strategic mind. The daughter of Pat Summerall, a legendary sports broadcaster and recovering alcoholic, Wiles grew up observing and adapting to chaos. Her mother, whom she described as “the picture of calm through this tempest,” was an equally significant influence, instilling in Wiles the ability to manage unpredictable situations with grace and control.
From this environment, Wiles learned to “control what she could when she could,” Kruse noted. She developed an intuitive ability to navigate volatile personalities, read rooms, and wield influence with precision—all traits that have made her invaluable to Trump.
Wiles’ political resume spans decades and includes work for figures across the Republican spectrum—from Jack Kemp and Ronald Reagan to Florida Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. Despite her varied affiliations, she has consistently prioritized loyalty to her principal over ideology.
“She believes in working hard for the person she’s working for,” Kruse explained. “She’s described herself as a moderate, but her true allegiance is to effectiveness.”
This adaptability has allowed Wiles to thrive in today’s GOP, which she acknowledges is vastly different from the party she joined early in her career. “There are changes we must live with to get done the things we’re trying to do,” she told Kruse.
Wiles’ relationship with Trump is marked by mutual respect and a rare ability to temper his impulsiveness without challenging his authority. “She doesn’t control him—nobody controls him—but she guides him,” Kruse said.
Their partnership works, in part, because of their complementary styles. Trump is all text, Wiles all subtext. Where Trump thrives on spectacle, Wiles exerts influence quietly, creating a yin-and-yang dynamic that has helped her endure where others have failed.
Wiles is not just a strategist; she is a skilled tactician unafraid to wield power ruthlessly. Known for her ability to shape narratives and neutralize opponents, her fingerprints are often visible in the defining storylines of campaigns, even if her role remains unacknowledged.
Take Ron DeSantis, for example. After their falling out, Wiles aligned with Trump, and many believe her absence from DeSantis’ team contributed to his struggles on the national stage. “If she’d been working for DeSantis instead of Trump, who knows? Maybe he’d be preparing to move into the White House,” Kruse noted.
Her philosophy, as described by a longtime Florida operative, is simple: “Mess with her? No. Mess with you.”
In a world where chaos reigns supreme, Wiles offers Trump a semblance of order. Her appointment as chief of staff formalizes a role she has long played, cementing her place as one of the most consequential figures in modern Republican politics.
“She’s not just a calming presence,” Kruse concluded. “She’s a force—a quiet, unrelenting force.”
Wiles’ ascent is a testament to her ability to navigate the complex interplay of power, personality, and politics, ensuring her influence will be felt long after the headlines fade.
