“I don’t welcome people who want to work solo or be a star,” Wiles said in an interview with Axios. “My team and I will not tolerate backbiting, second-guessing inappropriately, or drama. These are counterproductive to the mission.”
Known as the “Ice Maiden” inside Trump’s circle, Wiles managed the president-elect’s successful 2024 campaign and is known for staying out of the spotlight herself. With a character the size of Trump at the center of the administration, she said there wouldn’t be any room for individual players trying to upstage Trump or make a name for themselves.
Her primary focus during the campaign was ensuring Trump’s vision was realized. When she had a disagreement with Trump, she was careful not to let anyone know about the rift besides him, she told the outlet.
Wiles is stepping into a difficult job. She will be Trump’s fifth chief of staff after he averaged burning through one a year during his first administration.
Reince Priebus, Trump’s first chief of staff, had the shortest tenure of any of them, only holding on to the job for six months.
Trump then moved on to four-star Gen. Mark Kelly, who clashed with the former president. Trump severed ties with Kelly without having a replacement lined up.
Wiles said Trump has a better idea of how Washington works this time around and has been fully involved in the hiring process of all Cabinet positions.
“[Trump] knows much more about the way the Washington institutions work, especially the need to have people who are serving be both competent and loyal,” Wiles said. “He has taken a keen interest in personnel and has personally interviewed and hired all the Cabinet and many sub-Cabinet hires.”
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Wiles said the administration is focused on ensuring that all of Trump’s campaign promises are met before the 2026 midterm elections.
“I have every hope that the 47 administration will not have the same number of attempts to put sand in the gears,” Wiles said. “We are off to a fast start with congressional work, hiring the best people, preliminary discussion with heads of state, fine-tuning his policy agenda, and planning for the first 100 days.”
