Staff Reports
The choice of a chief of staff can reveal a lot about how a new president plans to run the show. Instead of diving into the candidate’s lofty promises, one only needs to examine who gets the nod for this all-important position. Back in 2008, Barack Obama made headlines with his promises of unity and hope, but his appointment of Rahm Emanuel, a man known for sending dead fish to pollsters, was a clear signal that the hopey-changey vibe was about to be replaced with a healthy dose of hardball politics. Expecting gentler politics after that choice? Spoiler alert: It didn’t happen.
Fast forward to the present, and one can’t help but wonder what the Trump 47 administration will look like compared to Trump 45. The recent announcement of Susie Wiles as chief of staff brings a fresh twist to the narrative. Wiles, who played a crucial role in Trump’s campaigns, has been praised for her tough and smart approach. With her as the first female chief of staff in U.S. history, it appears Trump is ready to set a more decisive tone in Washington. Gone are the days of dilly-dallying with the establishment; Wiles is there to pave the road for a streamlined MAGA agenda.
This is an excellent choice by @realDonaldTrump. @susie57 is a doer. She gets the job done without seeking the limelight. Also an historic hire as she is the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff for a United States President. #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/idjz8cTva0
— Mayor Armin Mizani (@ArminMizaniTX) November 7, 2024
Details about Susie Wiles’ past accomplishments paint her as a decisive leader who actually knows what it takes to win. Unlike some advisors who have wrestled with Trump, her history with him suggests that she can manage his approach effectively and will not shy away from making tough decisions when necessary. This is significant, considering that she was around during the tumultuous days following the Jan. 6 events, yet managed to maintain a close working relationship with Trump, a feat not every advisor could claim.
Contrast this with the appointment of Reince Priebus back in 2016. Priebus was touted as a bridge to the Republican Party establishment, but his tenure was marked by the same establishment politics that Trump initially sought to dismantle. Instead of breaking new ground, Priebus embodied the tired status quo that left many Trump supporters feeling frustrated. He proved to be just another cog in the machine—more interested in appeasement than actual change. Not surprisingly, that didn’t end well.
This time, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Trump has grassroots support unified behind a vision that appeals not to party elites, but rather to hardworking Americans who want real change. The past few election cycles have shown that RINOs and establishment hacks are out of touch with the party’s base, which was made glaringly obvious by the poor performance of candidates who failed to embrace Trump’s agenda. The establishment suffered a significant setback, and any whispers of compromise are unlikely as Trump moves forward with Susie Wiles at the helm.
Susie Wiles symbolizes a new era for the Trump administration, one where the chief of staff won’t be studiously courting the approval of the elite but instead will shift into action mode. By making this bold choice, Trump is channeling the needs and wants of the party faithful. This isn’t merely about winning elections anymore; it’s about leading in a manner that reflects the cultural conservatism and working-class interests that have been long neglected. The battle lines have been drawn and with Wiles onboard, the Trump administration is primed for a more focused and functional White House—sans the RINOs.
