In the hot seat of Washington, we have a new face. Susie Wiles, the latest occupant of what could be the most challenging job in the country – Chief of Staff to Donald Trump. The position isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires liaising with lawmakers, administration officials and outside groups, while simultaneously ensuring that the White House operations run smoothly.
The role has been particularly tricky under Trump, who is known for resisting any form of order imposed on his management style. Four people have held this position during his first term, some of whom ended their tenure on less than amicable terms. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell. However, so far, Wiles has proven to be resilient in Trump’s orbit, having successfully steered his presidential campaign to victory.
Former Occupants of The Hot Seat
Let’s take a look back at the previous Chiefs of Staff under Trump’s administration:
Reince Priebus was Trump’s first Chief of Staff. He held the position while also chairing the Republican National Committee when Trump ran for president in 2016. Priebus found himself in a difficult position, trying to balance the establishment and Trump’s insurgency. His tenure was marked by infighting and the failure to advance legislative goals such as the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. He was ousted from the position six months into Trump’s first term.
John Kelly, Trump’s first Homeland Security secretary, succeeded Priebus. Despite his military-style approach to managing the chaotic White House, Kelly found himself clashing with Trump and his allies, becoming isolated and less influential over time. Trump announced Kelly’s departure without having a replacement ready.
Mick Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman, took over next. Unlike his predecessor, Mulvaney adopted a laissez-faire approach, letting “Trump be Trump”. He focused more on staff management and liaising with lawmakers. Mulvaney held the job for a little over a year before he made his exit.
The fourth and last Chief of Staff was Mark Meadows, a congressman from North Carolina. His time in office was particularly challenging due to the global spread of the coronavirus. Despite his controversial reputation, Meadows played a leading role in negotiating pandemic relief legislation.
Conclusion
Susie Wiles has a challenging task ahead. The history of Trump’s Chiefs of Staff reads like a tumultuous soap opera. Only time will tell if she will fare better than her predecessors. However, given her successful stewardship of Trump’s campaign, she might just have the right mix of resilience and finesse to navigate the choppy waters of Trump’s White House. Her appointment is a testament to her abilities, and all eyes will be on her as she takes on this high-pressure role.
