On Friday, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump appointed Susie Wiles, a key strategist behind his 2024 presidential campaign, as White House Chief of Staff, marking her as the first woman in American history to hold the role.

Trump announced this decision as his first major appointment ahead of the January inauguration, marking the beginning of the Republican transition process. He praised Wiles, saying, "Susie Wiles just helped me secure one of the greatest political victories in American history. She is tough, smart, innovative, and widely admired and respected. Susie will continue working tirelessly to Make America Great Again."

Wiles is highly regarded within and beyond Trump’s close circle, recognized for her management of a disciplined and efficient campaign. Despite her pivotal role, she opted to stay out of the spotlight, declining public statements even as Trump celebrated his victory on Wednesday morning.

“This is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first female Chief of Staff in U.S. history. I am confident she will make our country proud,” Trump added.

Wiles, a seasoned Republican strategist from Florida, previously led Trump’s campaigns in Florida in both 2016 and 2020. She also managed Rick Scott’s 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign and briefly served as campaign manager for former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential bid.

As Chief of Staff, Wiles will act as a trusted advisor to the President-elect, coordinating his agenda and balancing political and policy priorities. The role requires managing access to the president and organizing his schedule—duties that often conflicted with Trump’s preferences during his previous term.

In the coming weeks, Trump is expected to begin appointing cabinet members and other senior officials. Key contenders for Secretary of State include Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting Director of National Intelligence; Robert O'Brien, former national security adviser with strong conservative views; and Bill Hagerty, a senator and former ambassador with deep Republican connections.

For the position of Defense Secretary, frontrunners include Congressman Mike Waltz, known for his critical stance on China, and Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State.