Donald Trump Makes History Twice, Names Susie Wiles as First Female Chief of Staff
President-elect Donald Trump made headlines this week with two historic achievements: first, by securing a second term in the White House as a former president, and then by appointing Susie Wiles as his Chief of Staff—the first woman to ever hold that position in U.S. history.
A seasoned GOP operative and longtime advisor to Trump, Wiles has been a key player in his political resurgence. She is widely credited with tightening Trump's campaign operations following his 2020 defeat and leading him to a sweeping victory in the 2024 election, where he won both the Electoral College and the national popular vote—an accomplishment that has eluded Republican presidential candidates for two decades.
"Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history and was a vital part of my successful campaigns in 2016 and 2020," Trump said in a statement on Thursday, officially announcing her appointment.
"Susie is tough, smart, and innovative, and she is universally admired and respected. She will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It's a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt she will make our country proud," he added.
Wiles' historic appointment not only reflects her strategic prowess but also marks a significant milestone in American political history. As Trump's Chief of Staff, she is set to play a critical role in shaping his administration's agenda for the next four years.
Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Helped NFL Broadcast Legend Father Pat Summerall Overcome Alcoholism
Susie Wiles, newly appointed as Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff, is not just known for her political acumen. She also played a crucial role in helping her father, legendary NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, overcome a battle with alcoholism.
Wiles, a seasoned GOP strategist, has long been celebrated for her professional achievements, but her personal life includes a profound story of resilience and support. During a critical time in Summerall’s life, Wiles was instrumental in guiding her father toward sobriety, a journey that transformed both his life and their relationship.
Summerall, one of the most iconic voices in American sports broadcasting, credited his daughter with giving him the strength and encouragement he needed to overcome his addiction. Wiles’ unwavering support helped him embrace recovery, allowing him to enjoy many more years as a beloved sports commentator and a renewed family life.
Susie Wiles’ ability to navigate personal and professional challenges speaks to her strength and dedication—qualities that have now led her to make history as the first female Chief of Staff in U.S. history under President Trump’s administration.
Susie Wiles, co-campaign manager for former President Donald Trump, is spotted at Nashville International Airport as Trump arrives in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
While Susie Wiles is a well-known and respected figure in Florida’s political circles—sometimes even feared—she remains relatively unknown in Washington, D.C., and on the national stage. So, who exactly is Susie Wiles? Here are five key facts about the next White House Chief of Staff:
1. Daughter of an NFL Broadcasting Legend
Susie Wiles is the daughter of the late Pat Summerall, a legendary NFL broadcaster. Summerall was not only an NFL champion kicker but also the iconic color commentator who partnered with John Madden on CBS for over 20 years.
2. Helped Her Father Overcome Addiction
Summerall’s illustrious career was marred by a struggle with alcoholism, which he openly discussed in his 2006 biography. It was his daughter Susie who stepped in to stage an intervention, helping him overcome his addiction and reclaim his life. This act of compassion and determination showcases Wiles' strength and dedication, qualities that have also defined her political career.
These lesser-known aspects of her background highlight Susie Wiles’ resilience and unwavering commitment, traits that are sure to shape her leadership as she steps into her new role as White House Chief of Staff.
From left to right, halfback Phil King, star place kicker Pat Summerall, and quarterback Don Heinrich of the New York Giants toast with drinks at the Lone Star Boat Club on November 2nd. The celebration followed their team’s decisive 20-3 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Yankee Stadium on November 1st. Summerall contributed eight points, scoring two field goals and two extra points. (Getty Images)
Susie Wiles played a pivotal role in helping her father, NFL legend Pat Summerall, confront his battle with alcoholism. In his 2006 autobiography, *On and Off the Air*, Summerall recounts a powerful letter his daughter wrote during an intervention:
“Dad, the few times we’ve been out in public together recently, I’ve been ashamed we shared the same last name,” Wiles wrote. Her heartfelt words inspired Summerall to take decisive steps toward overcoming his addiction.
Early Career Roots in Politics
Wiles’ entry into politics came through a surprising connection to her father’s past. In the late 1970s, she was hired as an assistant to Jack Kemp, Pat Summerall's former teammate on the New York Giants. Kemp later became a prominent congressman, a key advocate for Ronald Reagan’s supply-side economic policies, and a vice-presidential nominee.
Wiles went on to serve as a scheduler for Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign, eventually joining his White House staff. After her time in Washington, she moved to Florida in the 1990s, where she became Chief of Staff to Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney and served as the district director for Rep. Tillie Fowler.
SUSIE WILES, THE 'ICE BABY,' A TOP CONTENDER FOR TRUMP'S CHIEF OF STAFF
With her extensive background in both national and local politics, Susie Wiles is now seen as a leading candidate for Donald Trump's Chief of Staff—a position where her sharp strategic mind and political resilience have earned her the nickname "Ice Baby" among insiders.
Congressman Jack F. Kemp addresses the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference. (Cynthia Johnson/Getty Images)
In an interview with *Politico Magazine*, John Delaney, former Mayor of Jacksonville, praised Susie Wiles, saying, “I’ve described her as a political savant — just otherworldly sort of political instincts.”
Wiles has been a prominent figure in Florida politics for decades. One of her most significant achievements was helping health care executive Rick Scott secure the governorship in 2010. Scott, who is now Florida’s junior senator, recently celebrated his re-election to a second term.
A ‘Card-Carrying Member of the GOP Establishment’ Who Backed Trump
Although Wiles once described herself as a "card-carrying member of the GOP establishment," she surprised many by joining Donald Trump’s campaign as co-chairwoman in Florida in 2015. Known for working with a wide range of Republicans, from moderates to staunch conservatives, her decision to support Trump was unexpected.
“As a card-carrying member of the GOP establishment, many thought my full-throated endorsement of the Trump candidacy was ill-advised — even crazy,” Wiles said in a rare public statement to The New York Times
Former President Donald Trump attends the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets on October 20, 2024, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, accompanied by senior campaign consultant Susie Wiles. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)
Despite facing skepticism, Susie Wiles told the *Tampa Bay Times* at the time that she believed no other Republican candidate in the 2016 presidential race was equipped to bring the change Washington, D.C., desperately needed. She argued that national Republicans had fallen into a "culture of expediency" and lost touch with core conservative principles.
“I said, ‘I don’t want this to continue. I think it will seriously damage our republic, and who among that group really has the fortitude to change what I’ve seen happening over all these years?’” Wiles explained to the paper.
Her instincts proved correct. Trump went on to win the Republican primary and stunned the political world by defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in a historic upset.
Helped Ron DeSantis Become Governor Before a Falling Out
In 2018, Florida congressman Ron DeSantis decided to run for governor. While he secured Trump’s endorsement, his campaign was struggling, and he trailed in the polls.
With just over a month left before the election, DeSantis turned to Wiles for help. Her strategic direction is widely credited with turning the campaign around, helping DeSantis win the tightly contested race in a narrow victory over former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum.
TRUMP NAMES SUSIE WILES AS FIRST FEMALE WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF IN HISTORY
Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, introduces Susie Wiles at an election night watch party on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
After the election, a rift developed between Ron DeSantis and Susie Wiles. According to *Politico*, Florida's First Lady, Casey DeSantis, grew wary of Wiles’ increasing influence and power within the governor's circle. Eventually, Wiles was pushed out of DeSantis’ inner circle.
Wiles returned to Donald Trump's orbit for his 2020 presidential campaign and continued to be a key and trusted advisor as he set his sights on a comeback in 2024. She remained with the Trump campaign when DeSantis launched his own presidential bid, and there was speculation that Trump’s team used Wiles’ insider knowledge of DeSantis to help thwart the Florida governor’s efforts.
In January, after reports surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) that DeSantis had cleared his campaign website of upcoming events, Wiles responded with a simple, “Bye, bye.”
A Registered Lobbyist
Beyond her political campaign work, Wiles is a registered lobbyist. Federal filings from April show that she lobbied on behalf of tobacco company Swisher International while managing the Trump campaign, working to influence Congress on *FDA regulations*.
Wiles also serves as co-chair for the Florida and Washington, D.C., offices of Mercury Public Affairs, a lobbying firm whose clients include companies like Airbnb, AT&T, eBay, Pfizer, Tesla, and the Embassy of Qatar. Although she works for the firm, she is not a registered lobbyist for any of these clients.
Previously, Wiles was with Ballard Partners, a Florida-based lobbying firm founded by lobbyist Brian Ballard.
Fox News' Jackson Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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