President Donald J. Trump delivered a heartfelt surprise tribute to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on Thursday night, praising her strength and leadership as she revealed she has been battling cancer in recent weeks.
Wiles disclosed the diagnosis while accepting the Independent Women’s Forum Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award during a gala at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C.
In a pre-recorded video message played during the event, President Trump applauded Wiles for continuing to lead while undergoing treatment.
“It’s been especially inspiring to see her courage and toughness in recent weeks, and she’s been winning a battle with cancer and winning it decisively,” Trump said. “It was an early diagnosis, so she’s going to be in great shape.”
Wiles, who said she was diagnosed nine weeks ago, made clear that the health challenge has not slowed her commitment to the administration.
“I come to work every day. I do my job, I don’t complain, and I think that sets an example, too, for the people I work with,” Wiles said during an onstage conversation at the gala.
The emotional moment came as a surprise to Wiles, who said she had no idea the president’s video message was intended for the event.
“I walked in when he was filming it, but I didn’t know what it was for, and I kind of ducked out the back door,” she said.
Trump used the tribute to recognize Wiles not only for her resilience, but also for her historic role inside the administration.
Calling her “the first female chief of staff in American history,” Trump also described Wiles as “one of the best White House chiefs of staff ever in history.”
“I say the best, actually,” Trump added. “I’m tremendously grateful for her friendship, loyalty and support every single day.”
The president credited Wiles with helping guide each of his presidential campaigns and said her leadership has been central to the administration’s success.
“Susie, we have a problem. I say go to Susie,” Trump said. “We owe her a tremendous debt and what she’s done is just incredible for our country.”
Wiles, a longtime Republican strategist, reflected on her decision to support Trump during the 2016 campaign — a move she described as one of the biggest professional risks of her career.
“I wanted a disruptor,” Wiles said. “I looked around at the disrupters in the field and said, I think Donald Trump’s the one.”
Asked about her role serving in the White House during such a demanding time personally and professionally, Wiles pointed to faith.
“This is the path God chose for me,” she said. “And I’m here, and I’m doing the best I can every day.”
The evening became both a celebration of Wiles’ career and a deeply personal moment highlighting the loyalty and bond between President Trump and one of his closest advisers.
