Consider This from NPR: Can Susie Wiles Keep Trump on Track?
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Introduction
In the latest episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ailsa Chang delves into the dynamics of President Donald Trump's new White House by focusing on his recently appointed Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles. The episode, titled "Can Susie Wiles Keep Trump on Track?", explores whether Wiles can bring the necessary discipline and order to an administration previously characterized by chaos and frequent turnover in key positions.
Susie Wiles: The First Woman Chief of Staff
Background and Nickname
Susie Wiles makes history as the first woman to hold the position of White House Chief of Staff. Known affectionately by Trump allies as the "Ice Maiden," Wiles is lauded for her calm demeanor under pressure and her ability to operate effectively behind the scenes.
Ailsa Chang [00:33]: “Susie likes to stay sort of in the back, let me tell you. The Ice Maiden. We call it the Iceman.”
Her reputation was further solidified when a Reuters photograph captured her managing a critical moment on the House floor during the contentious speaker vote, ensuring Trump's preferred candidate, Mike Johnson, secured the position.
Ailsa Chang [00:39]: “As the Ice Maiden nickname suggests, Wiles is praised by Trump allies for her calm under pressure and for her ability to work effectively from the background...”
The Crucial Role of the White House Chief of Staff
Defining the Position
To shed light on the significance of Wiles's role, Chang speaks with journalist Chris Whipple, author of The Gatekeepers and How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency.
Chris Whipple [03:58]: “Every modern president has learned, often the hard way, that you cannot govern effectively without empowering a White House chief to execute your agenda.”
Whipple emphasizes that the Chief of Staff is pivotal in managing the president's schedule, advising on policy, and acting as a gatekeeper to the Oval Office. The effectiveness of this role can significantly influence the success or turmoil of an administration.
Susie Wiles vs. Trump's Previous Chiefs of Staff
Failures of the Past
During Trump's first term, he cycled through four Chiefs of Staff, none of whom managed to impose lasting order or effectively execute his agenda. Whipple attributes this instability to Trump's lack of understanding of the Chief of Staff role.
Chris Whipple [07:12]: “He never empowered a White House chief to execute his agenda and tell him what he doesn't want to hear, which, of course, is the most important thing.”
What Sets Wiles Apart
Wiles brings a wealth of experience, having started her political career as a scheduler for Ronald Reagan at just 23 years old and later playing a crucial role in Trump's Florida campaigns. Her ability to maintain composure and strategically choose her battles stands in contrast to her predecessors.
Chris Whipple [08:19]: “Susie Wiles brings a couple of advantages that her predecessors never had... She seems to choose her fights carefully, maybe too carefully.”
Whipple notes that Wiles's temperament—marked by charm and abundance—is essential for navigating the complexities of the Trump administration.
Early Indicators of Wiles's Leadership
First Week Performance
In the initial week of Trump's second term, the administration saw a flurry of executive actions implemented with remarkable speed. Chang questions whether this efficiency is a result of Wiles's leadership or the collective efforts of the advisory team.
Ailsa Chang [05:58]: “Do you attribute that to Susie Wiles in particular or to a whole host of advisors?”
Whipple responds with caution, suggesting it's premature to attribute the swift actions solely to Wiles, and critiques the "shock and awe" approach as potentially unsustainable.
Chris Whipple [05:58]: “I think the so called shock and awe has been certainly distracting, maybe effective in some cases, but it's no formula for long term success in the Oval Office.”
Managing Internal Dynamics and External Influences
Balancing Power Within the White House
A notable aspect of Wiles's role involves managing influential figures within the administration, including businessman Elon Musk. Early tensions surfaced when Musk attempted to influence legislative processes, prompting Wiles to assert her authority by denying him an office in the West Wing.
Chris Whipple [09:14]: “She's already made it clear that he's not going to have an office in the West Wing.”
Whipple highlights the importance of Wiles establishing her presence and authority early on to maintain order and ensure that external influencers do not disrupt the administration's workflow.
Chris Whipple [09:30]: “To be an effective White House chief, she's going to have to be in the room for those decisions...”
Potential Challenges Ahead
Imposing Discipline on a Trump White House
Despite her qualifications, Wiles faces the daunting task of imposing discipline in an environment historically resistant to structured governance under Trump. Whipple expresses skepticism about whether her approach will sustainably mitigate the inherent chaos of the administration.
Chris Whipple [09:30]: “An empowered White House chief really should be the last person in the room.”
The effectiveness of Wiles in this role remains to be seen, with all eyes on her ability to balance Trump's unpredictable leadership style with the demands of a stable and orderly White House.
Conclusion
The episode underscores the pivotal role Susie Wiles plays in shaping the trajectory of President Trump's second term. While her track record and demeanor position her as a potentially stabilizing force, the unique challenges of the Trump administration test her ability to maintain order and execute the president's agenda effectively. As Wiles navigates internal power dynamics and external pressures, her success could redefine the functionality and effectiveness of the White House Chief of Staff position.
Produced by Connor Donovan, with audio engineering by Jimmy Keeley, edited by Courtney Dorning, and executive produced by Sami Yenigun.