WASHINGTON (AFP) – In a personal announcement via his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump revealed that his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The 68-year-old political operative, who made history as the first woman to hold the White House chief of staff position, intends to maintain her demanding schedule throughout her treatment course.
Trump characterized Wiles as “an incredible Chief of Staff, a great person, and one of the strongest people I know” in his social media post. He detailed that rather than delaying treatment, Wiles has chosen to confront her diagnosis immediately. The former president expressed confidence in her medical team, stating her prognosis is “excellent.” He further noted that Wiles plans to spend “virtually full time at the White House” during her treatment, a commitment he described as making him “very happy.”
Wiles’s role has been pivotal in shaping Trump’s political comeback. Widely recognized behind the scenes as the driving force steering the trajectory of his second presidency, she earned monikers from Trump such as “The Ice Maiden” and “the most powerful woman in the world.” Her career with Trump began in Florida during his initial 2016 presidential campaign.
Despite maintaining an exceptionally low public profile, insiders describe Wiles as a resolute and steely gatekeeper within Trump’s orbit. Her central mission has been to institute order and prevent a recurrence of the internal chaos and factional disputes that plagued Trump’s first term in office. This diagnosis comes as Trump and the Republican party navigate significant challenges, including international tensions with Iran and navigating poor approval ratings ahead of the crucial November midterm elections.