Donald Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has issued a brutal takedown of Elon Musk as she refuses to find him an office in the West Wing.
Much has been made of the billionaire's status as “First Buddy,” as he serves as chairman of the Department of Government Efficiency and even sits in the Oval Office as Trump bills.
But he also stirs controversy and has become an easy target for Democrats, who have jokingly referred to him as the “co-president.”
Wiles, a 67-year-old veteran of GOP politics, saw her first day-one victory over Trump when he confirmed that Musk would not have a desk in the West Wing.
Musk's Doge team is based on the grounds of the White House, but in the Eisenhower Executive Office, across the street from the main complex.
Doge's chief administrator must also report to Wiles, a sign of her control over the White House.
Experts believe Wiles, who successfully ran Trump's 2016 and 2020 Florida campaigns, has what it takes to handle the president.
“She has an abundance of charm and she needs everything to survive this job,” said Chris Whipple, author of a book on Trump's 2024 campaign, noting that there were four chiefs of staff in Trump's first term.
Donald Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles is making good on her mandate to tolerate no problems or drama in the president's second term, even if it means Elon Musk
Much has been made of Musk's status as 'First Buddy', as the world's richest man has served as a campaign surrogate, then chaired the Department of Government Efficiency and even sat in the Oval Office as Trump signed bills
“Temperament is actually an underrated quality among White House staff leaders. Susie has it, I think.
“But of course it's the hardest job in Washington, if not on the planet. Especially when the boss is Donald Trump,” he told The Times.
“There has never been an administration that has had this much power play so early,” added expert pollster Frank Luntz.
“She has the right heart and she has the right skills for this – if anyone is going to succeed, it's her.”
Just two weeks before Trump took office, Wiles made it clear in an interview that she was going to run a tight ship.
“I don't welcome people who want to work solo or be a star,” Wiles told Axios. “My team and I will not tolerate backbiting, second-guessing or drama. These are counterproductive to the mission. '
Trump's first term was marked by fights, backstabbing and leaks. Aides set up competing fiefdoms in the West Wing and fought among themselves to have the most influence over the president, a dynamic that played out in real time like a reality TV show.
Some of its second officials are already becoming stars in their rights, including X CEO Elon Musk.
Musk often takes to his social media account to comment on politics – whether American or foreign. He was recently at a TIFF with British Prime Minister Kier Starmer on 'grooming gangs' in the UK.
Experts believe Wiles, who successfully ran Trump's 2016 and 2020 Florida campaigns, has what it takes to handle Trump
Susie Wiles with Donald Trump in October 2024 – she was the first White House hire Trump announced, naming her his chief of staff
Wiles makes it clear that the second term will be different.
Nicknamed the “Ice Maiden” by Trump himself, Wiles, 67, is a longtime Republican operation in Florida who takes a no-nonsense approach to her work. She will be the first woman to hold the office of chief of staff, the top job in the White House.
She told The News Outlet that staff are willing to work long, hard hours to reach the ground.
“The West Wing staff is a mix of new and veterans – many are young, all are willing to put in the hours,” she said. 'I believe in teamwork to my core. Anyone who cannot be counted on to work together and focus on our shared goals does not work in the West Wing. '
Wiles also revealed that Trump is deeply involved in the hiring process and personally interviews many senior staffers, both for the White House and the various federal agencies.
Wiles is credited with running an efficient, well-organized campaign in 2024.
And she has begun pushing back on the bill as Trump prepares for his second term in the White House.
Last week, she imposed a social media ban on his Cabinet nominees and ordered them not to post without approval.
Susie Wiles talks to Donald Trump on Trump Force One in June 2023 – as his campaign manager, she is credited with running a highly organized campaign
“Although this instruction has been issued previously, I reiterate that no member of the incoming administration or transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,” Wiles wrote in a memo reported by the New York Post.
“Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from public social media posts without prior approval from the incoming White House adviser.”
But she is also expected to face challenges when it comes to enforcing discipline among the Trump team.
One of the chief of staff's most important responsibilities is to manage the president's time and who has access to him.
Trump pushed back on such restrictions in his first term, when he went through four chiefs of staff in four years. Aides often slipped into the Oval Office to talk to him, knowing that he was most likely to be listening to the last person in the room.
In addition, Trump also regularly spoke to outside advisors, family members and other people who gained access to him – often increasing processes and decision-making with his last-minute changes.
Still, Wiles is highly respected in politics and is credited with running a disciplined, professional campaign that gave Trump a landslide victory in November.
Trump has spoken publicly about his admiration and respect for her.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative and universally admired and respected,” he said in a statement as he announced her as his chief of staff.
“Susie will continue to work tirelessly to make America great again.”
