Susie Wiles: Trump’s New Chief of Staff Faces Scrutiny Over Lobbying Past
As President-elect Donald Trump embarks on a new term, he faces significant scrutiny concerning his choice for White House Chief of Staff. Susie Wiles, a seasoned GOP operative, is the new appointee, but her history as a corporate lobbyist has raised eyebrows among progressive groups and advocates for ethical governance.
Wiles: The Ice Maiden
Wiles, dubbed the “ice maiden,” will be responsible for limiting access to the president, a task that has proven challenging in the past. Trump’s first term saw him cycle through four chiefs of staff, each struggling to manage the influx of special interests vying for influence. With Wiles at the helm, the stakes are high as she aims to guard against potential exploitation of the White House for personal gain.
However, critics are vocal about their concerns. Jon Golinger of Public Citizen, a progressive watchdog group, has spotlighted Wiles’ background as a lobbyist, stating, “By putting a corporate lobbyist in charge of his administration with his first act as president-elect, Trump is hanging a ‘For Sale’ sign on the front door of the White House.” This sentiment echoes a broader worry about Trump’s commitment to his campaign promise of “draining the swamp.”
A Controversial Lobbying Record
According to a report by Public Citizen, Wiles was a registered lobbyist for a staggering 42 clients between late 2017 and early 2024. Among her noteworthy clients were Republic Services, a waste management firm criticized for its handling of nuclear waste, The Pebble Partnership, a mining corporation under scrutiny for environmental concerns in Alaska, and Swisher International, a tobacco company known for opposing federal regulations.
Golinger remarked, “A lobbyist with this record of controversial representation and a minefield of potential conflicts of interest should not go near the Oval Office, much less be White House Chief of Staff.” His concerns reflect a growing distrust around Wiles’ ability to enforce ethics and transparency within the Trump administration.
Defending Wiles
Trump’s transition team has rallied to Wiles’ defense. Spokesman Brian Hughes emphasized her integrity, stating, “Susie Wiles has an undeniable reputation of the highest integrity and steadfast commitment to service both inside and outside government.” Hughes noted that her experience and dedication made her the ideal candidate for the position.
A Historic Appointment
Susie Wiles makes history as the first female White House Chief of Staff in U.S. history. With a political career spanning decades, she co-led Trump’s 2024 campaign and is credited with running a more disciplined operation than in previous years. Having started her political journey in the 1980s as a scheduler for then-President Reagan, Wiles has proven herself as a significant force within the GOP.
Her past roles include managing Rick Scott’s successful 2010 gubernatorial campaign in Florida and briefly overseeing Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential bid. Trump has acknowledged her skill set, lauding her as “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired.”
A Network of Influence
After Trump’s initial win in 2016, Wiles joined Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm known for its successful multimillion-dollar contracts. The firm represented various corporate interests and also had a significant presence in Washington, D.C. Among her clients were General Motors, a trade group for children’s hospitals, and the City of Jacksonville. However, her portfolio also included controversial foreign clients, such as Globovisión, a Venezuelan TV network linked to businessman Raúl Gorrín, who is embroiled in legal issues concerning money laundering.
Gorrín’s attempt to influence U.S.-Venezuela relations and his subsequent criminal charges raise questions about the implications of Wiles’ past clientele. Ballard, Wiles’ former partner, described her as a “straight shooter” and maintained that she had no role in managing Gorrín’s contract. Still, the mere association paints a complicated picture of Wiles’ professional history.
Looking Ahead: A Strained Relationship?
Despite criticism, expectations are high for Wiles as she steps into her new role. Trump’s administration has already taken a stern stance against foreign entities that undermine American interests. In 2019, he enforced severe sanctions on Venezuela, closed the U.S. embassy in Caracas, and recognized the opposition-controlled government as the legitimate ruling authority. This backdrop raises questions about how Wiles will navigate the complex interactions between corporate lobbying and national policy moving forward.
Wiles’ recent work as a co-chair for Mercury Public Affairs added another layer to her lobbying background, as the firm represents high-profile clients like AirBnB, Pfizer, and Tesla. Though she is no longer directly registered as a lobbyist, her previous activities could come under scrutiny in her new role.
Conclusion: An Administration Under Watch
As President Trump prepares to extend his term, all eyes will be on Susie Wiles and her capability to fulfill the promise of an administration free from undue influence by special interests. With her extensive background and controversial associations, Wiles’ appointment signifies a pivotal point for the Trump administration, and her ability to maintain ethical standards in governance remains to be seen.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz, Louis Casiano, Paul Steinhauser, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
