Trump appoints campaign manager as chief of staff

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will serve as his White House chief of staff.

This appointment marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of staffing announcements as Trump prepares for his return to the White House on January 20.

As the chief of staff, Wiles will play a crucial role as the president’s gatekeeper. This position typically involves managing White House staff, organizing the president’s schedule, and maintaining communication with other government departments and lawmakers.

At 67 years old, Wiles will be the first woman to hold the position of White House chief of staff.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected,” Trump stated. “I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

Since defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in the recent election, Trump has been secluded at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. He is considering many individuals for top positions in his administration, with several being familiar faces from his previous time in office from 2017 to 2021, according to four sources.

Wiles, a seasoned political strategist from Florida, along with fellow campaign manager Chris LaCivita, is credited with running a more disciplined campaign for Trump’s third presidential bid compared to his past efforts. Trump expressed his gratitude to both during his victory speech early Wednesday.

“Susie prefers to stay in the background,” Trump noted, as she stood at the back of the stage. “We call her the ice maiden.”

Several colleagues who have worked with Wiles shared their insights on Thursday, stating that she would provide stability and wise counsel to Trump in the White House.

During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump went through four chiefs of staff, an unusually high turnover, as they struggled to manage 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.

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE