“Most Powerful Woman in the World,” Really?
At July 26’s White House AI Summit, Donald Trump introduced his chief of staff with typical flourish: “The most powerful woman in the world is here—Susie Wiles. She can take out a whole country with one phone call.” C‑SPAN transcript.
For once, hyperbole felt almost plausible.
Early Life: Football, Letters & Tough Love
Born Susan Summerall on May 14 1957 to NFL legend‑turned‑broadcaster Pat Summerall, Wiles credits a strict, merit‑first household for her competitiveness. In 1992 she wrote her father a scathing, loving letter urging him into rehab; he sobered up and lived nearly three more decades Britannica biography. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 1979 with an English degree and an affection for punctuality.
Washington Apprenticeship
Wiles started as a scheduler for Rep. Jack Kemp, then joined Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign and served in the Office of Scheduling—her first taste of backstage power.
Florida Ascendancy
Jacksonville became her laboratory. She advised two mayors, managed Rep. Tillie Fowler’s office, and turned lobbying into an art at Ballard Partners and Mercury Public Affairs, representing everything from tobacco to foreign mining interests Public Citizen profile.
In 2010 she shocked Tallahassee by steering hospital magnate Rick Scott to the governor’s mansion; pundits coined her the “Florida Fixer.” She briefly managed Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential bid before philosophical friction sent her packing.
DeSantis: From Protégé to “Bye, bye”
Wiles molded Ron DeSantis into a 2018 gubernatorial winner, but the alliance imploded over leaked golf‑trip emails suggesting pay‑to‑play access. DeSantis banished her from Trump’s 2020 Florida team; Wiles called working for him “my biggest mistake” and punctuated his 2024 primary collapse with a one‑word farewell on X: “Bye, bye” Yahoo News.
Trumpworld Constant
Trump prizes loyalty and battleground math. Wiles delivered Florida in 2016 and 2020, then co‑chaired his 2024 campaign. On election night he praised her as “tough, smart, innovative, universally admired” CBS News. Business mogul Mark Cuban scoffed on The View that Trump “doesn’t like being challenged by strong women.” Wiles fired back on X: “Here we are!” Business Insider. Not bad for someone who avoids Twitter like cilantro.
First Female Chief of Staff
Confirmed in January 2025, Wiles became the first woman to hold the post. She bans gossip sessions, insists on one‑page briefs, and measures success by trains staying “on the tracks.” Staffers say she keeps Trump’s schedule tighter than a jar lid at the Villages.
Hacking & Catfish: 2025’s Weirdest Plot
In May 2025 an AI‑generated voice clone impersonated Wiles, texting lawmakers for cash and pardons. The FBI opened a smishing/vishing probe Yahoo News. Trump cracked, “Hackers hate tidy inboxes.”
“Statesman of the Year”
The Republican Party of Florida crowned her 2025 Statesman of the Year, praising victories from Rick Scott’s upset to Trump’s return WUWF. Critics grumble about her lobbying past; allies note she’s already two chess moves ahead.
Guiding Philosophy
“Get up, dress up, work hard, listen more than you act, and be ready when the moment comes.” —Pod Force One
“I’m chief of staff, not chief of Donald.” —same interview
What’s Next?
Midterms loom; Wiles will likely run Trump’s candidate pipeline while silently scripting 2028. Skeptics predict lobby‑gate reruns. Admirers think she’ll finish her coffee and keep the country on speed‑dial—just in case.
Signature ☕️
Another day, another refill. If Susie can run the West Wing on sweet tea, I can finish this column on an espresso drip.
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© 2025 Strolling Ballantyne / The Charlotte Mercury
This article, “Who Is Susie Wiles? Florida Power Broker Turned First Female White House Chief of Staff,” by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY‑ND 4.0.
“Who Is Susie Wiles? Florida Power Broker Turned First Female White House Chief of Staff”
by Jack Beckett, The Charlotte Mercury (CC BY‑ND 4.0)