White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been named to Forbes’ 2025 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, earning the distinction of being the only American woman in politics included this year. Forbes ranked her at No. 66, citing both her historic appointment and her influential role in national Republican politics.
Wiles became the first female White House Chief of Staff in January 2025, following her work as co-chair of Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. As noted by the National News Desk, her position on the list places her ahead of several high-profile figures, including media personality Kim Kardashian, who ranked No. 71.
Forbes also highlighted her leadership as CEO of the Save America Leadership PAC and her decades-long career advising prominent Republicans such as Ronald Reagan, Mitt Romney, Rick Scott, and Ron DeSantis. Wiles entered politics in 1979 as an assistant to Rep. Jack Kemp of New York.
Previous editions of the Forbes list have featured political figures including Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Kamala Harris. Harris appeared in 2023 but was absent from the 2024 edition, published after her loss in that year’s presidential election. For 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde hold the top two spots.
Conservative Leaders Praise the Recognition
Wiles’ inclusion prompted public congratulations from Republican officials and conservative strategists. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz wrote on X that Wiles was instrumental to Trump’s 2024 victory and deserves more credit than she typically receives. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz posted his own congratulations, as did Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
President Donald Trump praised Wiles in November when announcing her appointment as chief of staff, saying she had helped him secure “one of the greatest political victories in American history.” Then-Sen. JD Vance also welcomed her selection, describing her as “a huge asset” and “just a really good person.”
Wiles’ Reflections on 2024 and the Road to 2026
Wiles has remained vocal about the forces she believes shaped the 2024 election. Speaking at a September memorial event for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, she credited his organization with energizing young voters. She said Trump’s victory—winning the popular vote and every swing state—was driven by first-time voters she described as “Charlie’s army,” adding that Kirk “made the winning difference.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, Wiles has signaled that Trump will take an unusually prominent role for a sitting president. In an appearance on The Mom View, she said, “He’s going to campaign like it’s 2024 again,” noting that the administration intends to “turn [midterm strategy] on its head” by placing Trump directly at the center of the campaign to motivate low-propensity supporters.
Wiles also pointed to lessons from a recent special election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district. Although Republican Matt Van Epps won the race, she said the contest highlighted turnout concerns, remarking, “We saw, a week ago Tuesday, what happens when he’s not on the ballot and not active.”
As the administration prepares for the next election cycle, the Forbes honor underscores Wiles’ growing influence within both the White House and the broader conservative movement.
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Since their history has been FAVORING LIBERALS and LEFTISTS, THIS IS WAY OFF THE CHARTS. SHE DESERVES THE RECOGNITION; THERE IS NO DOUBT. She is qualified head and shoulders above most those who they selected before her. My question is what made them come to their senses to select her.