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Susie Wiles, a seasoned political operative who has worked closely with President-elect Donald Trump, is emerging as the top contender for the position of White House Chief of Staff in Trump's new administration, several sources told NBC News.
"She has commanded a ton of respect amongst the staff, as well as loyalty. She doesn't play games. And she means what she says: On the campaign, she said we are checking egos at the door and held everyone to it," one campaign official told the outlet.
During Trump's victory celebration in West Palm Beach, Florida, he gave special thanks to Wiles for her prominent role throughout his campaign. She had to lead the campaign through several crises, including two assassination attempts on Trump, President Joe Biden dropping out after the first debate, and several swings in the polls leading up to the election.
"Susie likes to stay sort of in the back, let me tell you. The ice baby. We call her the ice baby. Susie likes to stay in the background. She's not in the background," Trump added. "Thank you, Susie."
Another source told NBC News that after pulling off the victory against Vice President Kamala Harris, the job is hers if she wants it.
"If she wants it, it's hers," the source explained. "Her standing with Trump and what she just helped pull off [winning by huge margins] makes it an easy choice if she wants it."
According to Reuters, another contender for the job is Brooke Rollins, former acting director of Trump's Domestic Policy Council.