The appointment was the first of what is expected to be a flurry of staffing announcements as Trump girds for a return to the White House on Jan. 20.
As gatekeeper to the president, the chief of staff typically wields great influence. The person manages White House staff, organizes the president’s time and schedule, and maintains contact with other government departments and lawmakers.
The low-key Wiles, 67, will be the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected,” Trump said. “I do not doubt that she will make our country proud.”
Trump has been secluded at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, since defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election.
Four sources said he is considering a wide range of people for top administration jobs, many of them familiar figures from his 2017-2021 presidency.
Wiles, a long-time Florida-based political strategist, and fellow campaign manager Chris LaCivita are credited with running a more disciplined operation for Trump’s third presidential bid than his past campaigns.
Trump thanked them both during his victory speech early on Wednesday
“Susie likes to stay in the back, let me tell you,” Trump said, as she stood toward the back of the stage. “We call her the ice maiden.”
Several people who have worked with Wiles said in interviews on Thursday that she would provide stability and sage counsel to Trump in the White House.
Trump ran through four chiefs of staff – an unusually high number – during his 2017-2021 term as they struggled to rein in the famously undisciplined president.
“Susie is a strong woman and a true leader with a proven track record of getting things done,” said Republican strategist Ford O’Connell.
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