White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has earned a spot on Forbes' 2025 list of the World's Most Powerful Women, distinguishing herself as the only American woman in politics to make the list.
Forbes ranked Wiles at No. 66, citing her historic appointment in January 2025 as the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, along with her key role as co-chair of President Donald Trump's successful 2024 reelection campaign.
The outlet also highlighted Wiles' leadership as CEO of the Save America Leadership PAC and her decades-long career advising prominent Republicans, including former President Ronald Reagan, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Florida Sen. Rick Scott, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Her career in politics began in 1979, when she served as an assistant to then-New York Rep. Jack Kemp.
Past editions of Forbes' list have featured former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris appeared on the 2023 list but was absent from the 2024 edition, released following her loss in that year's presidential election.
This year's top two spots are held by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde.
Prominent figures across the conservative movement celebrated Wiles' recognition on social media.
Political strategist and Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz extended congratulations on X, writing, "Susie was a major reason why President Trump won last November, and she doesn't get nearly enough credit, although I don't think she minds because she doesn't seek it!"
"A well-deserved recognition!" Bruesewitz added.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz also cheered Wiles' achievement, posting, "Team Florida! Congratulations Chief @SusieWiles!"
Education Secretary Linda McMahon chimed in with, "Congratulations @SusieWiles for being named by @Forbes to 'The World's Most Powerful Women' List."
Trump previously praised Wiles when announcing her appointment in November, saying she "just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history."
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, Wiles has signaled that Trump will take a highly active role on the campaign trail.
"He's going to campaign like it's 2024 again," Wiles said during an appearance on the YouTube channel "The Mom VIEW."
While midterm campaigns traditionally emphasize local issues, she said the administration plans to "turn that on its head" and instead "put him on the ballot because so many of those low-propensity voters are Trump voters."
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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