White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, known as one of U.S. President Donald Trump's "closest aides," has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.
On the 16th, local time, President Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social that Chief of Staff Wiles "unfortunately has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and has decided not to delay (treatment) but to confront this challenge immediately."
He added, "She has a fantastic medical team and the prognosis is excellent," and said, "During treatment, she will be at the White House virtually full time, which, as president, makes me very happy."
Regarding Wiles, President Trump said, "Her strength and dedication to continue the work she loves and does so well, even during treatment, tell you all you need to know about her," adding, "Susie, one of my closest and most important advisers, is tough and has a deep sense of mission in serving the American people."
He continued, "(First lady) Melania and I stand with her in every way, and we look forward to working with Susie on the many big and wonderful things that will happen for the benefit of our country."
Shortly after posting this message, at a press conference ahead of a luncheon with the John F. Kennedy Center board held at the White House, President Trump seated Wiles immediately to his left. It was unusual for Wiles to sit right next to the president at a public event.
At the press conference, President Trump introduced Wiles and praised her as an "amazing fighter," then encouraged her by saying, "She announced a small difficulty, and she will be fine soon."
He again stressed that the prognosis is "excellent, beyond excellent." He then lamented Wiles' current situation by saying, "Who would want that?" and Wiles replied, "Thank you, Mr. President."
In a statement to the New York Times (NYT), Wiles said she plans to begin a course of treatment over several weeks in the Washington, D.C., area soon, adding, "One in eight American women will receive this diagnosis. These women support their families every day with strength and determination, go to work, and serve their communities. I now join them."
Wiles is the first White House chief of staff of Trump's second term, appointed by President Trump immediately after his victory in the Nov. 2024 presidential election. She is credited with contributing significantly to the win as co-chair of the Trump campaign during the election.