US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday the appointment of Susie Wiles, one of his campaign managers, as his White House chief of staff, entrusting a pivotal role to a seasoned political strategist who played a key part in his recent election victory, Reuters reported.

The announcement marks the first in what is expected to be a wave of staffing decisions as Trump prepares for his return to the White House on January 20.

The chief of staff is a powerful position, overseeing White House operations, coordinating the president’s schedule, and liaising with other branches of government and lawmakers. Wiles, 67, will make history as the first woman to hold this role in the White House.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected," Trump said in a statement. "I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

Since his election, Trump has remained at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and is reportedly reviewing a diverse roster of candidates for senior positions, many of whom served in his previous administration, Reuters mentioned, citing four sources.

'The ice maiden'

Wiles, a veteran Florida-based strategist, and campaign manager Chris LaCivita are recognized for leading a disciplined effort during Trump’s third presidential bid, in contrast to his previous campaigns.

Trump publicly acknowledged their work during his victory speech, where he referred to Wiles, standing at the back of the stage, as “the ice maiden.”

Colleagues who have worked with Wiles describe her as a stabilizing force who offers sound advice, Reuters highlighted.

During his 2017-2021 presidential term, Trump went through four chiefs of staff, as they grappled with the challenges of managing his often unpredictable style.

"Susie is a strong woman and a true leader with a proven track record of getting things done," said Republican strategist Ford O'Connell, as quoted by Reuters.

According to the news agency, Wiles’s background includes working on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign and advising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his 2018 election. She also served as a senior advisor for Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

Trump’s selection of Wiles comes over other potential candidates, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and former acting Domestic Policy Council director Brooke Rollins.

Reuters pointed out that other key roles are under consideration as well. Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally from New York, is reportedly in the running to become US ambassador to the United Nations, according to an informed source.

Meanwhile, former US Ambassador to Germany and acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, who recently joined Trump in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is being considered for the position of secretary of state.

Sources confirmed that Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, a former ambassador to Japan, is also a candidate for the role.

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