Linda McMahon, the current US education secretary, and Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, both unsuccessfully sought to become President Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff during the transition period, according to a new book by journalist Jonathan Karl. Their efforts were reportedly derailed by an orchestrated phone call from Vice-President JD Vance, arranged by campaign staff loyal to Susie Wiles, who ultimately secured the role.
Karl’s book, Retribution, excerpts of which were published in Vanity Fair, describes how McMahon and Rollins rushed to Mar-a-Lago to pitch themselves for the top White House job. However, a campaign staffer working closely with Wiles—dubbed the “ice maiden” for her role in Trump’s successful 2016 and 2024 campaigns—intercepted their plans. The staffer arranged for Vance to call and delay the two women, allowing Trump to offer the position to Wiles before they could make their case.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the decision, stating: “Susie was the only choice for Chief of Staff, and she was the perfect choice. President Trump picked someone who has been loyal from Day One.” McMahon later became education secretary, tasked with dismantling the Department of Education, while Rollins took on agriculture, pledging to tackle rising egg prices and support struggling farmers.
Karl’s book also details the chaotic transition process, noting Trump’s reluctance to plan before the election and his reliance on billionaire Howard Lutnick for vetting. Candidates faced loyalty tests, including questions about their views on the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack. The vetting team reportedly missed past sexual assault allegations against defence secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, who denies any wrongdoing.
