White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has opened up about her recent battle with breast cancer, sharing that the experience provided her with a “deeper appreciation” for her life and purpose. In an exclusive essay published on September 27, Wiles detailed the challenges of undergoing cancer treatment while maintaining her responsibilities as one of President Donald Trump’s most trusted aides during a high-pressure period of his second term.
Wiles received a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer in mid-March. Following a six-month treatment regimen, she announced on September 16 that her medical team had declared her cancer-free. Reflecting on the difficulty of balancing her professional duties with her health, Wiles wrote that the process was not easy, noting that there were days when her strength was entirely consumed by fighting the disease. She credited her work at the White House with helping her navigate the journey, explaining that it served as a vital reminder that she was still herself and that her life encompassed more than just her illness.
Drawing on data from the American Cancer Society, Wiles noted that nearly one in eight women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. She expressed solidarity with these women, stating that they continue to raise families, work, and serve their communities with determination, and that she is proud to join their ranks.
Wiles has been a long-standing aide to President Trump, having worked on his campaigns since 2015. Following her role as co-campaign manager for his 2024 presidential bid, she was promoted to chief of staff. Her extensive political career includes serving as a scheduler for President Ronald Reagan’s 1980 campaign under chief of staff James Baker, working under Vice President Dan Quayle during the George H.W. Bush administration, and leading the 2018 gubernatorial campaign for Ron DeSantis.
In her essay, Wiles expressed gratitude to her family, medical team, White House staff, and the president for their support. She specifically thanked President Donald Trump for his kindness and compassion during her treatment. Describing chemotherapy as “a b—-,” Wiles stated that she has successfully navigated the hardest part of her journey. She added that the next stage of her recovery will require a serious commitment to rebuilding what the treatment took from her.
