Florida Republicans are enthusiastic about Susie Wiles — except for one significant dissent
Wiles, who has recently been appointed as Trump's chief of staff, previously collaborated with DeSantis until they experienced a disagreement.
TroibNews 
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — On Thursday night, Florida Republicans publicly expressed their enthusiastic support for Susie Wiles as chief of staff for President-elect Donald Trump.
In a surge of social media activity from Floridians, Sen. Rick Scott lauded her as a “true leader” and a “brilliant tactician.” State Sen. Joe Gruters referred to Wiles as “first class,” while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna hailed her as “amazing” and an “absolute 10/10 pick.” Sen. Marco Rubio characterized her as a “strong, intelligent woman.”
Governor Ron DeSantis, who had a previous falling out with Wiles after she played a key role in his initial successful run for governor in 2018, chose to remain silent on her appointment.
It remains uncertain if DeSantis will address the situation. Despite having reconciled with Trump following DeSantis' unsuccessful presidential campaign, it seems that this does not extend to Wiles. During a meeting between Trump and DeSantis at a golf club in April, no staff members were present, according to sources familiar with the gathering.
Wiles, 67, has long been a key player in Florida politics, notably stepping in to support Scott during his 2010 gubernatorial campaign against the state's Republican attorney general, who had the backing of a significant portion of the GOP establishment.
She is now poised to become one of the most powerful figures in Trump's anticipated second administration, after effectively managing his campaign and playing a significant role in sidelining DeSantis' presidential ambitions.
The potential impact of Wiles' role on DeSantis—and more broadly, on Florida—is still uncertain. Throughout Trump's first term, he was influenced by DeSantis and Rep. Matt Gaetz to increase disaster aid to Florida following Hurricane Michael, and DeSantis frequently visited the White House.
With Trump now residing in Florida after changing his residency from New York, the dynamics may shift. Following his bid for the presidency, DeSantis made efforts to mend his relationship with Trump, participating in fundraising activities and even golfing together in September, as previously reported. The governor has also initiated a state investigation into a second alleged assassination attempt against Trump, which received praise from the former president. Despite these gestures, the relationship between Wiles and DeSantis seems strained.
However, Florida operatives aligned with Wiles insist that her presence in the new administration will not be detrimental to the state, even if her relationship with DeSantis has soured.
“Susie is a pro, she defeated the guy one-on-one,” remarked a veteran Florida political operative who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the duo’s relationship. “It’s not like federal disaster aid is going to be withheld.”
The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment regarding Wiles’ new position, nor did the Trump transition team comment on the relationship between Wiles and DeSantis.
Wiles has worked on three separate Trump campaigns and was instrumental in guiding DeSantis' 2018 gubernatorial campaign after he won the Republican primary that year. DeSantis prevailed over Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, in part due to Trump’s endorsement, but his campaign faced challenges before Wiles' involvement.
Having led Trump’s Florida campaign in 2016, Wiles was set to reprise her role for the 2020 campaign but was ousted at DeSantis' prompting. Reports suggested that DeSantis suspected Wiles—unjustly, according to her friends—of leaking internal communications that portrayed the new governor as offering access to special interests on golfing trips. She was also pressured to sever ties with Ballard Partners, a prominent lobbying firm.
Many in the Republican operative community were taken aback by the move. One veteran political operative even labeled it the “dumbest” decision DeSantis has made during his governorship. Ultimately, Trump welcomed Wiles back for the 2020 campaign, where she became one of his most trusted and senior advisers post-defeat.
During this year’s GOP primary, Trump’s campaign—staffed by individuals with negative experiences involving DeSantis—frequently criticized and mocked DeSantis supporters.
Wiles appeared affected by her fallout with DeSantis, as evidenced by her succinct two-word social media post—“Bye, bye”—in response to DeSantis withdrawing from the presidential race after a disappointing finish in Iowa.
Throughout President Joe Biden’s term, DeSantis has emerged as a prominent critic, with the state’s attorney general engaging in numerous legal confrontations with the Biden administration. Notably, DeSantis did not meet with Biden during the president's visits to Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As a Floridian, Wiles maintains strong connections with numerous state politicians across party lines. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, a rival of Trump, commended the selection of Wiles as chief of staff. Scott, who is running for Senate GOP leader, also maintains a strong relationship with her.
While DeSantis is likely to have a private connection to Trump, a public meeting may be more challenging. Furthermore, the prospect of DeSantis joining the Trump administration after his term ends in two years appears unlikely, especially as he continues to navigate his political future and potentially seeks another White House run.
DeSantis clarified on Friday that he has no interest in a position in Washington, D.C.
“I’m not seeking anything,” he stated during a Q&A session following a lecture at the University of Notre Dame. “I think me quarterbacking the Sunshine State is probably how I make the biggest difference.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
In a surge of social media activity from Floridians, Sen. Rick Scott lauded her as a “true leader” and a “brilliant tactician.” State Sen. Joe Gruters referred to Wiles as “first class,” while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna hailed her as “amazing” and an “absolute 10/10 pick.” Sen. Marco Rubio characterized her as a “strong, intelligent woman.”
Governor Ron DeSantis, who had a previous falling out with Wiles after she played a key role in his initial successful run for governor in 2018, chose to remain silent on her appointment.
It remains uncertain if DeSantis will address the situation. Despite having reconciled with Trump following DeSantis' unsuccessful presidential campaign, it seems that this does not extend to Wiles. During a meeting between Trump and DeSantis at a golf club in April, no staff members were present, according to sources familiar with the gathering.
Wiles, 67, has long been a key player in Florida politics, notably stepping in to support Scott during his 2010 gubernatorial campaign against the state's Republican attorney general, who had the backing of a significant portion of the GOP establishment.
She is now poised to become one of the most powerful figures in Trump's anticipated second administration, after effectively managing his campaign and playing a significant role in sidelining DeSantis' presidential ambitions.
The potential impact of Wiles' role on DeSantis—and more broadly, on Florida—is still uncertain. Throughout Trump's first term, he was influenced by DeSantis and Rep. Matt Gaetz to increase disaster aid to Florida following Hurricane Michael, and DeSantis frequently visited the White House.
With Trump now residing in Florida after changing his residency from New York, the dynamics may shift. Following his bid for the presidency, DeSantis made efforts to mend his relationship with Trump, participating in fundraising activities and even golfing together in September, as previously reported. The governor has also initiated a state investigation into a second alleged assassination attempt against Trump, which received praise from the former president. Despite these gestures, the relationship between Wiles and DeSantis seems strained.
However, Florida operatives aligned with Wiles insist that her presence in the new administration will not be detrimental to the state, even if her relationship with DeSantis has soured.
“Susie is a pro, she defeated the guy one-on-one,” remarked a veteran Florida political operative who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the duo’s relationship. “It’s not like federal disaster aid is going to be withheld.”
The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment regarding Wiles’ new position, nor did the Trump transition team comment on the relationship between Wiles and DeSantis.
Wiles has worked on three separate Trump campaigns and was instrumental in guiding DeSantis' 2018 gubernatorial campaign after he won the Republican primary that year. DeSantis prevailed over Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, in part due to Trump’s endorsement, but his campaign faced challenges before Wiles' involvement.
Having led Trump’s Florida campaign in 2016, Wiles was set to reprise her role for the 2020 campaign but was ousted at DeSantis' prompting. Reports suggested that DeSantis suspected Wiles—unjustly, according to her friends—of leaking internal communications that portrayed the new governor as offering access to special interests on golfing trips. She was also pressured to sever ties with Ballard Partners, a prominent lobbying firm.
Many in the Republican operative community were taken aback by the move. One veteran political operative even labeled it the “dumbest” decision DeSantis has made during his governorship. Ultimately, Trump welcomed Wiles back for the 2020 campaign, where she became one of his most trusted and senior advisers post-defeat.
During this year’s GOP primary, Trump’s campaign—staffed by individuals with negative experiences involving DeSantis—frequently criticized and mocked DeSantis supporters.
Wiles appeared affected by her fallout with DeSantis, as evidenced by her succinct two-word social media post—“Bye, bye”—in response to DeSantis withdrawing from the presidential race after a disappointing finish in Iowa.
Throughout President Joe Biden’s term, DeSantis has emerged as a prominent critic, with the state’s attorney general engaging in numerous legal confrontations with the Biden administration. Notably, DeSantis did not meet with Biden during the president's visits to Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As a Floridian, Wiles maintains strong connections with numerous state politicians across party lines. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, a rival of Trump, commended the selection of Wiles as chief of staff. Scott, who is running for Senate GOP leader, also maintains a strong relationship with her.
While DeSantis is likely to have a private connection to Trump, a public meeting may be more challenging. Furthermore, the prospect of DeSantis joining the Trump administration after his term ends in two years appears unlikely, especially as he continues to navigate his political future and potentially seeks another White House run.
DeSantis clarified on Friday that he has no interest in a position in Washington, D.C.
“I’m not seeking anything,” he stated during a Q&A session following a lecture at the University of Notre Dame. “I think me quarterbacking the Sunshine State is probably how I make the biggest difference.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
