Susie Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer but plans to continue working while undergoing treatment. The 68-year-old revealed the diagnosis on Monday, stating that doctors expect a strong recovery.
In a statement, Wiles said: '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.'
President Donald Trump described his aide as 'one of the strongest people I know' and said her prognosis was 'excellent'. He added that she would be 'spending virtually full-time at the White House' while undergoing treatment. Within minutes of Trump's post, Wiles was seen at a Kennedy Center board meeting, wearing a pink jacket and receiving embraces from attendees.
Wiles, a veteran Republican strategist and former Florida lobbyist, has been one of Trump's most trusted advisers for nearly a decade. She ran his successful 2016 campaign in Florida and managed his 2024 comeback campaign. Since his return to office in January 2025, allies say she has brought greater order to the White House.
Medical experts note that early detection significantly improves outcomes for breast cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 300,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with the disease this year. Wiles expressed gratitude for support and said she is 'encouraged by a strong prognosis'.
