Politics & World • Political Strategist

Susie Wiles

Susie Wiles is an American political consultant and Republican strategist who became White House chief of staff in January 2025 in Donald Trump’s second administration.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Susie Wiles is an American political consultant and Republican strategist who became White House chief of staff in January 2025 in Donald Trump’s second administration. She was the first woman to hold the post and previously played senior roles in Republican campaigns, including Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Early life and education

Susie Wiles was born Susan Summerall Wiles on May 14, 1957, in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maryland.

Political career

Wiles began her political work with Jack Kemp and later worked on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign. She went on to advise and manage Republican campaigns at the municipal, state, and federal levels.

Role in Donald Trump’s campaigns

Wiles became one of Trump’s key political aides and later co-campaign manager for his 2024 presidential campaign. Reporters and biographical sources described her as an important architect of Trump’s political comeback.

White House chief of staff

Trump named Wiles as White House chief of staff after winning the 2024 election, and she assumed the role on January 20, 2025. Her appointment made her the first woman to hold the position.

Lobbying work

Outside campaign politics, Wiles worked in the lobbying industry, including with Ballard Partners and Mercury Public Affairs. Sources also describe her as a longtime lobbyist.

Key facts

Susie Wiles became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.
She was appointed by Donald Trump for his second presidential administration.
She worked on multiple Republican campaigns at the local, state, and national levels.
She was widely described as a key strategist behind Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Susie Wiles?

She is an American political consultant and Republican strategist who became White House chief of staff in 2025.

Why is Susie Wiles notable?

She is the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff and is widely credited with helping manage Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

What is Susie Wiles’s background?

She was born in New Jersey in 1957 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.

What campaigns has Susie Wiles worked on?

She has worked on Republican campaigns for figures including Ronald Reagan, Rick Scott, Ron DeSantis, and Donald Trump.

When did Susie Wiles become White House chief of staff?

She assumed the role on January 20, 2025.

Has Susie Wiles worked in lobbying?

Yes. She has worked for lobbying firms including Ballard Partners and Mercury Public Affairs.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Susie-Wiles
Supports: Birth date and place, occupation, Republican work, and appointment as first woman White House chief of staff.
Archives of Women's Political Communication — https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/susie-wiles
Supports: Education, early career, lobbying work, and White House chief of staff role beginning in January 2025.
Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/us/who-is-susie-wiles-ice-maiden-who-will-be-trumps-chief-staff-2024-11-08/
Supports: Trump appointment, campaign leadership, and description of her role in organizing Trump’s 2024 campaign.
OpenSecrets — https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2025/03/trump-administration-profile-susie-wiles/
Supports: Campaign history, lobbying background, and appointment as chief of staff.
POLITICO — https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/07/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-susie-wiles-00188391
Supports: Lobbying roles, Mercury Public Affairs connection, and family background.