POTUS announces Chief of Staff Susie Wiles diagnosed with breast cancer

The president said COS Susie Wiles would undergo treatment, and noted that she has an ‘excellent’ prognosis

by Summer Lane | March 16, 2026

President Donald Trump on Monday announced that his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Wiles, whose political expertise was instrumental in winning the White House for President Trump, is the first female White House Chief of Staff in American history.

“Susie Wiles is an incredible Chief of Staff, a great person, and one of the strongest people I know but, unfortunately, she has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, and has decided to take on this challenge, IMMEDIATELY, as opposed to waiting,” the president announced in a statement.

The president said Ms. Wiles’ prognosis was “excellent,” and shared that while she was undergoing treatment, she would “be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy!”

The president continued, “Her Strength and her Commitment to continue doing the job she loves, and does so well, while undergoing treatment, tells you everything you need to know about her. Susie, as one of my closest and most important advisors, is tough and deeply committed to serving the American People. She will soon be better than ever! Melania and I are with her in every way, and we look forward to working with Susie on the many big and wonderful things that are happening for the benefit of our Country!”

Wiles is perhaps the most powerful political figurehead in Washington, D.C., aside from the president. She spearheaded both President Trump’s successful 2024 campaign and handily rehabbed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s then-2018 gubernatorial bid.

Wiles is also the daughter of the late, renowned sportscaster Pat Summerall, whom President Trump has often cited during remarks over the years.

“Susie Wiles epitomizes what it means to be a strong leader,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday. “She is also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Susie led President Trump’s historic 2024 comeback campaign and is now spearheading the most successful administration in history. I know I speak for the President and the entire White House when I say that we are all praying for Susie and rallying behind her as she prepares to fight this battle against breast cancer.”

At the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump also referenced Ms. Wiles’ diagnosis during remarks to the press at a board meeting for the Trump-Kennedy Center.

“She’s an amazing person, she’s an amazing fighter,” President Trump commented.

The president said she had “already started” treatment and that the prognosis was “beyond excellent.”