Susie Wiles, serving as the White House Chief of Staff, has earned a spot on Forbes‘ 2025 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, distinguishing herself as the sole American political figure to make the cut this year.
Forbes placed Wiles at #66 on its 2025 list, emphasizing her groundbreaking role as the first female to hold the position of White House Chief of Staff since January 2025. She played a crucial part in co-chairing Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. National News Desk reported that Wiles ranked above media mogul Kim Kardashian, who appeared at #71.
Forbes also acknowledged her leadership as CEO of the Save America Leadership PAC and her extensive career advising prominent Republicans like Ronald Reagan, Mitt Romney, Rick Scott, and Ron DeSantis. Her political journey commenced in 1979 as an aide to New York Representative Jack Kemp.
Previous iterations of the list featured notable figures such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris was on the 2023 list but did not appear in 2024 following her loss in that year’s presidential race. The top two positions this year are held by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde.
The recognition from Forbes sparked public congratulations from figures across the conservative movement. Political strategist and Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz posted on X:
Congratulations to White House Chief of Staff @SusieWiles on making the “Forbes World’s Most Powerful Women” list.
Susie was a major reason why President Trump won last November, and she doesn’t get nearly enough credit, although I don’t think she minds because she doesn’t seek it!
In November, when announcing Wiles’ appointment, President Donald Trump emphasized her contribution to his political comeback, declaring she “just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history.” Then-Senator JD Vance praised her selection, describing her as “a huge asset” and “a genuinely good person.”
During a September memorial for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Susie Wiles acknowledged his grassroots efforts in engaging young voters. She stated that “President Trump’s victory, securing the popular vote in every swing state, was driven by young people, many of whom were new to politics.” She referred to these young voters as “Charlie’s army,” crediting Kirk with making a decisive impact in the 2024 election.
Team Florida! Congratulations Chief @SusieWiles!
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon added:
Congratulations @SusieWiles for being named by @Forbes to “The World’s Most Powerful Women” List.
In November, upon announcing her appointment, President Donald Trump highlighted Wiles’ role in his return to the White House, saying she “just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history.” Then-Sen. JD Vance also welcomed the choice, calling her “a huge asset” and “just a really good person.”
At a September memorial event for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Susie Wiles credited his grassroots movement with mobilizing young voters and said that “President Trump’s victory, winning the popular vote in every swing state, was powered by young people, most brand new to politics.” Referring to them as “Charlie’s army,” Wiles said Kirk “made the winning difference” in the 2024 election.
As the administration looks ahead to the 2026 midterms, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has signaled that President Trump will take a front-facing role on the campaign trail. “He’s going to campaign like it’s 2024 again,” Wiles said during an appearance on The Mom View. While midterm strategies typically focus on localizing elections, Wiles said the administration plans to “turn that on its head” and instead “put him on the ballot because so many of those low-propensity voters are Trump voters.”
Reflecting on a recent special election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, Wiles pointed to what happens when Trump is not actively involved. While Republican Matt Van Epps ultimately won the race, Wiles noted that the outcome underscored turnout concerns, saying, “We saw, a week ago Tuesday, what happens when he’s not on the ballot and not active.”
