White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles revealed Monday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo treatment to fight the deadly disease.
But Wiles says she has no intention of stepping down from her job in the Trump administration while she fights the cancer.
President Donald Trump broke the news earlier in the day on social media, calling Wiles “an incredible Chief of Staff” and praising her decision to begin treatment immediately.
“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,” Trump wrote.
Trump said the prognosis is positive and that Wiles would be able to remain fully on the job during treatment.
“She has a fantastic medical team, and her prognosis is excellent! During the treatment period, she will be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy!” he wrote. “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, 68, confirmed the diagnosis in a post of her own on X later Monday, framing the fight ahead in terms of the millions of American women who face the same battle every year.
“Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis,” Wiles wrote. “Every day, these women continue to raise their families, go to work, and serve their communities with strength and determination. I now join their ranks.”
“I am grateful to have an outstanding team of doctors who detected the cancer early and are guiding my care, and I am encouraged by a very good prognosis,” she said. “I am also deeply thankful for the support and encouragement of President Trump as I undergo treatment and continue serving in my role as White House Chief of Staff.”
Wiles is the first woman ever to serve as White House chief of staff. She managed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign before taking the role when he returned to office in January 2025, and has been considered one of his most trusted and influential advisers. She has also previously worked on campaigns for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott.
Support poured in quickly from across the administration and Capitol Hill.
Vice President JD Vance said on X that his family “is praying for our dear friend as she takes on her next fight.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair praised her perseverance.
“Susie led President Trump’s team through illegitimate indictments, domestic spying by the former administration, rigged federal prosecutions, illegal law enforcement raids, general lawfare, assassination attempts, & more,” Blair wrote. “As with the rest, she will win this battle with grace.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wiles “epitomizes what it means to be a strong leader” and called her “one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
When breast cancer is detected and treated early, before spreading to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is approximately 90 percent. Wiles said she has not yet determined the exact course of treatment.