Susie Wiles reveals breast cancer diagnosis: 'Grateful it was detected early'

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White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with the Trump Kennedy Center Board Members in the East Room of the White House on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

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WASHINGTON - White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She made the announcement on social media. 

What they're saying:

"Last week, I was diagnosed with breast cancer," she posted. "I am grateful to have an outstanding team of doctors who detected the cancer early and are guiding my care, and I am encouraged by a very good prognosis."

"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, and has decided to take on this challenge, IMMEDIATELY, as opposed to waiting," Trump said earlier in a social media post. 

Susie Wiles diagnosed with breast cancer, Trump says

President Donald Trump announced Monday that his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has been diagnosed with 'early stage' breast cancer. 

"She has a fantastic medical team, and her prognosis is excellent! During the treatment period, she will be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy!" he added. "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. Susie, as one of my closest and most important advisors, is tough and deeply committed to serving the American People."

"She will soon be better than ever! 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!"

The backstory:

Trump named Wiles as his White House chief of staff in 2024. She is the first woman to ever hold the influential role. 

Wiles is widely credited within and outside Trump’s inner circle for running what was, by far, his most disciplined and well-executed campaign, and was seen as the leading contender for the position. She largely avoided the spotlight, even refusing to take the mic to speak as Trump celebrated his victory early Wednesday morning. 

RELATED: Susie Wiles slams Vanity Fair interview, including Trump ‘alcoholic’s personality’ quote

She was able to do what few others have been able to: help control Trump’s worst impulses — not by chiding him or lecturing, but by earning his respect and showing him that he was better off when he followed her advice than flouted it. 

Who is Susie Wiles?

Dig deeper:

Wiles is a longtime Florida-based Republican strategist who ran Trump’s campaign in the state in 2016 and 2020. 

Before that, she ran Rick Scott’s 2010 campaign for Florida governor and briefly served as the manager of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign.

Wiles was seen by Trump aides as someone who could guide his moods and impulses without necessarily restraining him. Trump often referenced Wiles on the campaign trail, publicly praising her leadership of what he said he was often told was his "best-run campaign."

"She’s incredible. Incredible," he said at a Milwaukee rally earlier this month,

At a rally in Pennsylvania where Trump made one of his last appearances before the election, he launched into a profane and conspiracy-laden speech. Wiles was spotted standing offstage and appearing to glare at him.

Later, at a rally in Pittsburgh, Trump seemed to acknowledge his adviser's efforts to keep him on message.

After complaining that men aren’t allowed to call a woman "beautiful" any longer, he asked if he could strike that word from the record. "I’m allowed to do that, aren’t I, Susan Wiles?" he mused.