Susie Wiles, Donald Trump’s chief of staff, is fulfilling her mandate to eliminate any semblance of trouble or drama during the president’s second term: even if it means sidelining Elon Musk. Wiles has delivered a harsh rebuke to Musk; who has been dubbed the ‘First Buddy’ by denying him an office in the West Wing. Much has been said about the billionaire’s position as chairman of the Department of Government Efficiency and, albeit he occasionally occupies a chair in the Oval Office while Trump affixes his signature to bills, he also stirs controversy. This has rendered him a prime target for Democrats, who, with a touch of humour, have labelled him the ‘co-president.’ At 67 years old, Wiles is a seasoned veteran of GOP politics. She celebrated her first victory on Trump’s inaugural day in office when it was confirmed that Musk would not be granted a desk in the West Wing.
Although Musk was reportedly advocating for a personal workspace just yards from the Oval Office, his DOGE team will, however, be situated in the Eisenhower building—directly across the street from the White House. ‘Temperament is actually an underrated quality among White House chiefs of staff. Susie’s got it, I think. The chief administrator of DOGE is also obligated to report to Wiles, an indication of her strong grip on the workings of the White House. ‘But of course it’s the toughest job in Washington, if not on the planet. Particularly when the boss is Donald Trump,’ he told The Times. ‘There’s never been an administration that has had so many power plays so early,’ added expert pollster Frank Luntz. ‘She’s got the right heart and she’s got the right skills for this — if anyone’s going to succeed, it’s her.’ Just two weeks before Trump took office, Wiles made it clear in an interview she was going to run a tight ship.
