Report Highlights Tensions Between Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles

<figure><img alt="White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles may be losing her grip on Donald Trump." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/EYZPCVZ2Z5BJJAQ2SY5KO4JC4Y.jpg?auth=918b3cac5878bc6dd8dd63ab01f7998cfd2486bba1efd3e0d5177773ded53898&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4318&amp;height=2429" /><figcaption>Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump has reportedly chosen a new White House press secretary without consulting his chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The decision to appoint Katie Zacharia, a conservative television commentator, over Wiles’ preferred candidate has raised questions about Wiles’ influence within the administration.</p><p>According to a report from the Daily Mail, Trump’s decision is seen as part of an ongoing power struggle with Wiles, who is 69 years old. An administration official stated, “This is seen as one of many recent microaggressions of Donald to Susie. He is taking back control, and it is starting to feel more like the first term.”</p><p>The report follows an earlier revelation that Wiles learned about another significant appointment through Trump’s social media announcement while she was attending her daughter’s wedding. Trump had nominated Richard “Lance” Schroyer to lead ICE without informing Wiles first.</p><p>Trump later withdrew Schroyer’s nomination after lawmakers expressed concerns about his qualifications. Wiles had also favored Scott Jennings for the press secretary position, but Trump opted for Zacharia after being impressed by her television appearances.</p><p>Zacharia, who has defended the Trump administration on various media platforms, has worked on Trump’s 2024 election campaign and served as a communications adviser to Trump Media and Technology Group. Leavitt, the former press secretary, reportedly supported Trump’s choice.</p><p>Despite the tensions, a source close to Zacharia indicated she aims to build a strong working relationship with Wiles. However, Zacharia’s appointment may reignite past disputes, particularly involving Lauren Bis, a White House communications official with whom Zacharia had previous conflicts at the Department of Homeland Security.</p><p>Sources have suggested that Bis should consider her future employment given their history, but those familiar with Zacharia’s plans stated that she is not seeking retaliation and that no staffing changes are currently being discussed. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/fresh-cracks-between-trump-and-susie-wiles-exposed-in-new-report">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>