Trump reportedly looking to replace Susie Wiles as tensions grow over ‘burned’ people

Possible successors discussed

Trump has reportedly floated several names to succeed Wiles, a veteran Florida political operative and the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. The report cites four sources with direct knowledge of the president’s conversations.

The possible candidates include Steve Witkoff, Trump’s longtime friend who now serves as a roving peace negotiator, and federal housing chief Bill Pulte. Trump has also raised the possibility of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, according to the report. Allies of McCarthy, a California Republican, say his working relationship with Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries could help ease tensions if Democrats take control of Congress.

Wiles’s standing shifts

Wiles is the fifth person to hold the chief of staff role across Trump’s two terms, and she has served longer than anyone else. GOP sources told The Independent that she has kept a tighter operation with fewer leaks and less infighting than during Trump’s first term. Her position has reportedly weakened in recent weeks as Trump made major decisions without seeking her input. A GOP operative described her record in the administration by saying she had “burned a lot of people.”

Press secretary decision raises concern

Administration officials in the West Wing have grown uneasy over Trump’s decision to bypass Wiles while choosing Katie Zacharia to replace Karoline Leavitt as press secretary. The report says Wiles was out of pocket when Trump made the decision late last week.

Zacharia is described as a frequent right-wing television commentator with little experience beyond defending Trump on television. Trump once praised Wiles as the “ice maiden” who helped lead him to a second White House term, but their relationship is now reportedly strained.