Donald Trump gives White House first female chief of staff

US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced that his campaign manager Susie Wiles will be his White House chief of staff. Wiles, 67, will be the first woman in US history to hold the position.

“Susie Wiles helped me achieve the greatest political victory in American history and was an integral part of my successful 2016 and 2020 campaigns,” Trump said two days after his decisive US election win over Democrat Kamala Harris.

The 78-year-old Republican said she is “tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected.”

“Having Susie as the first female chief of staff in United States history is a well-deserved honor,” he added.

Wiles and her fellow campaign manager Chris LaCivita are credited with Trump’s successful presidential bid.

Trump also praised Wills during his victory speech on Wednesday.

“We call her the ‘ice baby’… Susie likes to stay in the background,” he said.

Incoming US Vice President J.D. Vance called it “very good news” and said Susie was a “huge asset” to Trump’s campaign.

“She will be a huge asset in the White House. She’s also a really nice person,” he added.

Who is Susie Wiles ?

Born on May 14, 1957, Susie Wills is the daughter of Pat Summerall, who was a prominent football player and sportscaster.

Working as a longtime political strategist in Florida, she previously worked on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and helped Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis win election in 2018.

Early in his career, he also worked for Republican U.S. Representatives Jack Kemp and Tilly Fowler.

Wiles also served as the manager of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.’s 2012 presidential campaign.

She served as a senior adviser on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 bids.