White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is taking her newfound cancer diagnosis with “strength and commitment,” President Donald Trump announced on Monday.
Trump announced Wiles’ cancer diagnosis on Truth Social on March 16, stating that she has committed to continuing to work at the White House, even amid treatment.
“Susie Wiles is an incredible Chief of Staff, a great person, and one of the strongest people I know but, unfortunately, she has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer….” Trump announced on March 16. “Her Strength and her Commitment to continue doing the job she loves, and does so well, while undergoing treatment, tells you everything you need to know about her.”
Wiles has decided to treat the cancer immediately, rather than waiting, according to Trump. He said she has a “fantastic medical team” and an “excellent” prognosis. He also called her one of his “closest and most important advisors.”
“During the treatment period, she will be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy,” Trump wrote. “Melania and I are with her in every way, and we look forward to working with Susie on the many big and wonderful things that are happening for the benefit of our Country.”
Wiles also took to social media to address her diagnosis:
Last week, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis. Every day, these women continue to raise their families, go to work, and serve their communities with strength and determination. I now join their ranks.
I am…
— Susie Wiles (@SusieWiles) March 16, 2026
Wiles is a long-time political consultant.
One of her first jobs was as deputy director of scheduling for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign, then as special assistant to the President from 1981 to 1982. Throughout her career, she held roles including deputy director of operations for Dan Quayle, vice president in 1988; senior advisor for Ron DeSantis, governor from 2018 to 2019; and senior advisor for Trump, President, from 2016 to 2022.
When Trump appointed Wiles chief of staff on his first day in office, she made history as the first woman to hold the position. She has since earned a reputation as one of the most disciplined and effective – but behind-the-scenes – political operatives in America, according to Politico.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that Wiles is now “spearheading” the administration, and expressed support in her fight against cancer.
“Susie Wiles epitomizes what it means to be a strong leader. She is also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” Leavitt said. “I know I speak for the President and the entire White House when I say that we are all praying for Susie and rallying behind her as she prepares to fight this battle against breast cancer.”
When announcing the diagnosis, Trump called Wiles “tough and deeply committed to serving the American People” – “She will soon be better than ever.”
