Susie Wiles, Donald Trump’s chief of staff and the first woman in the role, gave unusually candid interviews to Vanity Fair, later expanded by CNN. Though she called the coverage a “hit piece,” she did not deny any quotes, surprising Washington given her normally low-profile, disciplined reputation and Trump’s frequent praise of her as the “most powerful woman in the world.”
Wiles offered sharp views on Trump’s inner circle, calling Vice President JD Vance a longtime “conspiracy theorist” whose MAGA shift felt political, and describing Elon Musk as an “odd, odd duck” whose sudden dismantling of USAID left her “aghast.” She referred to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as “quirky Bobby,” defended his hardline style, and labeled OMB chief Russell Vought a “right-wing absolute zealot.”
Her most talked-about comment compared Trump to having an “alcoholic’s personality”—intense, exaggerated, and convinced there’s nothing he can’t do—drawing on her experience growing up with her father, Pat Summerall. Trump brushed it off, agreeing he has an “addictive” personality and praising her work.
On retribution, Wiles admitted revenge has shaped some second-term actions. She said prosecutions can look vindictive, even if Trump doesn’t actively seek revenge unless the chance arises.
She also criticized policy missteps, saying Attorney General Pam Bondi “completely whiffed” the Epstein case, confirming Trump was wrong to claim Bill Clinton visited Epstein’s island, and admitting April’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were chaotic and “more painful than I expected.” She acknowledged Trump ignored her advice on deportations, January 6 pardons, and delaying tariffs.
Most controversially, Wiles suggested Trump’s Venezuela strategy aims at regime change—“keep striking boats until Maduro cries uncle”—despite public claims of anti-drug operations.
Must Read: Rachael Carpani Dies at 45: Life, Movies, Roles, Relationships, and Tragic Passing
Who is Susie Wiles? Early Life, Education, and Quick Personal Facts
Susie Wiles is an American political strategist and lobbyist. She has served as the 32nd White House chief of staff since January 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position under President Donald Trump.
A veteran Republican operative, Wiles has spent decades in politics. Her career began during the Reagan era and later expanded through key roles in Florida, including serving as chief of staff to the mayor of Jacksonville.
She went on to manage major political campaigns, working for Rick Scott, Ron DeSantis, and overseeing Trump’s Florida operations. Her success in these roles strengthened her standing within the party.
Between Trump’s first and second terms, Wiles ran his fundraising efforts and played a central role in campaign strategy. She also co-managed his winning 2024 presidential campaign.
Wiles is respected as a highly effective organizer. Trump frequently describes her as one of his most powerful and loyal advisers, credited with keeping the White House running smoothly while advancing his agenda.
Early Life and Education
She was the first child of Pat Summerall and Katharine Jacobs. Her father was a professional NFL player who later became a well-known television sportscaster.
After the 1958 football season, the family returned to Lake City. A year later, they moved to the Bronx in New York, where they briefly lived in a hotel during the 1959 season. Pat Summerall later spoke openly about his struggle with alcoholism, saying it began after he retired from football and started working in television.
The family later lived in Stamford, Connecticut, before moving to Saddle River, New Jersey, in 1967. In his autobiography, Pat Summerall admitted that Katharine raised the children mostly on her own while he focused on his career.
Growing up, Susan was active in sports, playing basketball and tennis and competing in track and field. She was also a member of the Girl Scouts, led by her mother. She follows the Episcopalian faith.
She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels in New Jersey in 1975. She later earned her degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating in 1978.
Quick Personal Facts
| Personal Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan L. Wiles (née Summerall) |
| Commonly Known As | Susie Wiles |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1957 |
| Age (as of December 2025) | 68 years |
| Place of Birth | Lake City, Florida (some sources cite New Jersey) |
| Raised In | Stamford, Connecticut; Saddle River, New Jersey |
| Father | Pat Summerall (NFL player and renowned sportscaster) |
| Mother | Katharine Jacobs |
| Siblings | Two younger brothers: Jay Summerall and Kyle Summerall |
| Education | High School: Academy of the Holy Angels, Demarest, New Jersey (1975) College: University of Maryland, College Park (BA in English, 1978–1979) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Lanny Wiles (Republican political consultant; married 1984, divorced 2017 due to financial issues) |
| Children | Two daughters: Katie Wiles and Caroline Wiles (both involved in politics and public service) |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly specified |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed or reliably reported |
| Hobbies & Personal Interests | Youth sports (basketball, tennis, track and field); avid football fan (influenced by her father); former Girl Scouts member (troop led by her mother); maintains a private, low-profile personal life |
Career
Early Career (1978–1984)
Susie Wiles began her political career in 1978 as a receptionist and aide for New York Representative Jack Kemp, leveraging her father Pat Summerall’s connections. She later joined Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign in scheduling and advance work and served as a personal secretary to Labor Secretary Raymond J. Donovan. By 1984, she married Lanny Wiles and had two children, divorcing in 2017.
Florida Politics and Local Government (1992–2000)
In the 1990s, Wiles became deeply involved in Florida politics. She worked for Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney as director of communications, then deputy chief of staff, and in 1997 became the city’s first female chief of staff. She oversaw major initiatives like the Better Jacksonville Plan and managed city information flow. After leaving local government in 2000, she held short-term roles in the private sector and public affairs firms, while also working on congressional campaigns such as Tillie Fowler’s 1992 bid.
Political Campaigns and Advisory Roles (2001–2015)
Wiles continued in Florida politics, serving in senior roles for John Peyton, Lenny Curry, and lobbying for private firms. She led campaigns for Rick Scott’s 2010 gubernatorial race and briefly for Jon Huntsman Jr.’s 2012 presidential bid before resigning due to internal disputes. She also supported Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and managed party and civic operations in Jacksonville.
Trump and DeSantis Campaigns (2015–2021)
In 2015, Wiles became Florida campaign chairwoman for Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and later his Florida campaign manager, helping secure his victory in the state. She then worked for Ballard Partners and led Ron DeSantis’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign, improving polling outcomes and managing his transition team. Conflicts with DeSantis staff eventually led to her temporary departure from Florida politics.
Trump Campaign Manager and Advisor (2021–2024)
Returning to Trump’s circle, Wiles managed post-2020 election activities, including travel, fundraising, and endorsements. She co-managed Trump’s 2024 campaign with Chris LaCivita and influenced key decisions, including Supreme Court nominations and legal strategies. She also played a role in delegate management and high-level political planning for Trump’s party operations.
White House Chief of Staff (2025–Present)
After Trump’s 2024 victory, Wiles became the first female White House chief of staff. She helped establish senior staff structures, negotiated high-profile prisoner exchanges, and advised on key administrative decisions. Her tenure has involved navigating controversies, protecting the president’s interests, and managing relationships with influential figures such as Elon Musk and JD Vance, solidifying her reputation as a highly trusted and strategic political operator.
Susie Wiles Husband
Susie Wiles was married to fellow Republican political consultant Lanny Wiles, whom she met during Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign. They married in 1984 and had two daughters, Katie and Caroline, before divorcing in 2017. Their split followed long-standing financial difficulties, including a 1991 bankruptcy linked to Lanny’s business ventures. As of 2025, Wiles remains divorced and maintains a private personal life, with no reports of remarriage.
Susie Wiles’ Net Worth and Earnings
Susie Wiles’ exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, though unofficial estimates range from $3 million to $10 million, reflecting her decades as a political consultant, lobbyist, and key figure in Trump campaigns and PACs. Her consulting firm reportedly earned nearly $4.4 million in recent years. As White House Chief of Staff in 2025, her government salary is around $195,000 annually, modest compared to her private-sector earnings but indicative of the role’s prestige and influence.
Susie Wiles and Netanyahu
Susie Wiles has a professional connection with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In spring 2020, she traveled to Jerusalem with Trump advisers to help Netanyahu’s Likud campaign. She applied Trump-style strategies for rallies and voter mobilization. The effort was brief due to budget limits.
Wiles attended high-profile meetings and dinners with Netanyahu. These included discussions on Gaza and broader Middle East policy. Observers noted her visible discomfort during some of Trump’s controversial Gaza proposals and praise of Netanyahu.
Susie Wiles and Elon Musk
Susie Wiles has a complicated view of Elon Musk. She worked closely with him during his brief, chaotic leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in early 2025.
In Vanity Fair interviews, she called Musk an “odd, odd duck” and a “complete solo actor.” She said she was “initially aghast” at his abrupt dismantling of USAID—firing staff, locking offices, and shutting it down, a move “no rational person” would endorse.
Wiles later described the article as a “hit piece” but did not deny the quotes. Musk eventually left government after a fallout with Trump, though their relationship has since improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Susie Wiles?
Susie Wiles was born on May 14, 1957, making her 68 years old as of December 2025.
What is Susie Wiles’ religion?
Susie Wiles is Episcopalian.
Is Susie Wiles married?
No, Susie Wiles is divorced. She was married to Republican political consultant Lanny Wiles from 1984 until their divorce in 2017, and they have two daughters together.
Is Susie Wiles the White House Chief of Staff in 2025?
Yes, Susie Wiles has served as White House Chief of Staff since January 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position under President Donald Trump in his second term.
Who is Susie Wiles’ father?
Susie Wiles’ father was Pat Summerall, the legendary NFL player turned renowned sportscaster who broadcast games for decades.
What was the Senate Democrats’ letter to Susie Wiles about?
Senate Democrats sent multiple letters to Susie Wiles in 2025 addressing concerns in the Trump administration. The most prominent was a February 5, 2025, letter from Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee (led by Vice Chair Mark Warner) warning of national security risks from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) granting unvetted staff access to classified information and sensitive databases.
Other letters included concerns over ethics and conflicts of interest involving Musk, corruption in the administration, and allegations against Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. These were part of broader Democratic oversight efforts.
By
