President Donald Trump praised White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for her courage in battling cancer during a surprise video message at a gala honoring her achievements.
President Donald Trump lauded White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for her remarkable strength in overcoming cancer during a surprise video message at a gala in Washington, D.C. Wiles disclosed her diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer nine weeks prior, while accepting the Independent Women’s Forum Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award.
In his pre-recorded message, Trump expressed his admiration for Wiles, stating, “It’s been especially inspiring to see her courage and toughness in recent weeks, and she’s been winning a battle with cancer and winning it decisively.” He emphasized the importance of her early diagnosis, assuring attendees that she would be “in great shape.”
Wiles, who has continued to fulfill her duties despite her diagnosis, shared her commitment to her role. “I come to work every day. I do my job, I don’t complain, and I think that sets an example, too, for the people I work with,” she said during an onstage conversation.
Trump’s video tribute took Wiles by surprise, as she had not anticipated it was intended for the gala. She recounted, “I walked in when he was filming it, but I didn’t know what it was for, and I kind of ducked out the back door.”
During the event, Trump praised Wiles as “the first female chief of staff in American history” and described her as “one of the best White House chiefs of staff ever in history,” even asserting that she is “the best.” He expressed his gratitude for her “friendship, loyalty, and support every single day.”
Trump credited Wiles with playing a pivotal role in his presidential campaigns, particularly for the upcoming 2024 election. He acknowledged her contributions to his administration, stating, “Susie, we have a problem. I say go to Susie. We owe her a tremendous debt, and what she’s done is just incredible for our country.”
Wiles, a lifelong Republican, reflected on her decision to support Trump in 2016, calling it one of the biggest risks of her career. “I wanted a disrupter,” she explained. “I looked around at the disrupters in the field and said, I think Donald Trump’s the one.” She emphasized her dedication to her current role, stating, “This is the path God chose for me. And I’m here, and I’m doing the best I can every day.”
The gala took place at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., where Wiles was honored for her contributions and resilience. According to Fox News Digital, the event celebrated her achievements and the impact she has made in her position.