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WASHINGTON — As Susie Wiles steps into her role as the new White House chief of staff, she will face a complex landscape filled with powerful interests vying for the attention of Donald Trump.
Wiles is no stranger to this environment; during Trump’s first presidency, she was actively involved in lobbying for various organizations.
Trump’s initial campaign famously promised to “drain the swamp” in Washington, D.C. However, his presidency saw a rise in lobbying efforts, which benefited many allies, including Wiles. This boom not only enriched influential associates but also complicated Trump’s agenda, particularly as his administration became entangled in multiple influence-related controversies.
As Trump looks to regain power, the dynamics are poised to shift again, potentially welcoming back similar challenges from his first term. Wiles will need to navigate access to the president amidst a network of high-profile figures, including Trump’s family members, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and billionaire figures like Elon Musk, all of whom may not rely solely on her for influence.
Critics are wary of Wiles’ appointment, questioning its implications for the next Trump administration. Craig Holman, a lobbyist with Public Citizen, stated, “This time around, Trump didn’t even mention ‘draining the swamp.’… He’s not even pretending.”
Brian Hughes, a representative from the Trump transition team, defended Wiles’ integrity, asserting that her experience would greatly benefit her service in the White House. “She has an undeniable reputation of the highest integrity,” he remarked.
Wiles’ appointment is noteworthy, being Trump’s first official hire post-election. Her leadership during Trump’s previous campaign in Florida is credited with bringing a level of discipline that was often lacking in earlier efforts. Nonetheless, she faces substantial pressure, given the traditionally demanding role of managing presidential access, especially in light of past complaints from Trump about such constraints.
In a recent speech, Trump praised Wiles, dubbing her an “Ice Maiden” and commending her behind-the-scenes proficiency. With her selection, Wiles also makes history as the first woman to take on this influential role.
At 67, Wiles brings a wealth of experience navigating relationships with powerful figures throughout her extensive career in politics and lobbying. Her journey began with a background in sports, being the daughter of NFL player Pat Summerall, and extended through various political roles, which included aiding notable conservative leaders and overseeing campaigns.
In Florida, Wiles served as an advisor to two mayors and helped propel Rick Scott to the governorship. After a brief period managing Jon Huntsman’s presidential bid in 2012, she played a critical role in Trump’s successful campaign in Florida in 2016.
Wiles has been a partner at Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm that represented Trump’s interests in Florida and expanded its reach into Washington following Trump’s election. The firm amassed substantial lobbying fees during his presidency, representing major corporations and stakeholders.
While many of Wiles’ clients included straightforward entities such as General Motors and various healthcare organizations, her involvement with international clients raises eyebrows. Notably, in 2017, she registered as a lobbyist for Globovisión, a Venezuelan television network owned by Raúl Gorrín, who is facing serious legal charges related to money laundering in the U.S.
Gorrín’s acquisition of Globovisión marked a significant shift in the network’s coverage, moving away from its anti-government stance. The lobbying focus was aimed at the White House, which would usually not have regulatory authority over foreign broadcasters in the U.S. for a fee of $800,000 for a year of service.
Brian Ballard, president of the lobbying firm, reflected on Gorrín’s attempts to leverage relationships for broader political aims. He noted the latter had ambitions that reached beyond the media sector and identified Wiles as a “straight shooter” and an organized professional despite the controversial context of her previous work.
The complexities of her role will only deepen as more lobbyists position themselves within Trump’s administration. Although the relationship with Gorrín eventually terminated due to suspicions of fraudulent behavior, it underscores the murky waters surrounding foreign influence in U.S. politics.
Wiles has also engaged with other foreign clients, most notably registering as a lobbyist for a Nigerian political party and working with a dealership entangled in financial controversies abroad.
Her appointment adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative surrounding lobbyists in Trump’s Washington, where the dynamics often favor those with connections and influence, resulting in ethical queries that linger over his administration.
As Wiles prepares to take on her challenging responsibilities, her history as a lobbyist and her ability to manage powerful interests will be critical in shaping the future of Trump’s presidency.
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Source
abcnews.go.com