President Donald Trump said Monday that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has early-stage breast cancer. He said her prognosis is “excellent” and that she will continue working during treatment.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Wiles decided to begin treatment immediately after receiving the diagnosis.
“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. “She has a fantastic medical team, and her prognosis is excellent.”
Trump also said Wiles will remain actively involved in her role at the White House.
“During the treatment period, she will be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy,” he added.
Speaking alongside Wiles on Monday, Trump described her as “fantastic” and “an amazing person, an amazing fighter,” and said she had already begun treatment.
Wiles, 68, confirmed the diagnosis in a statement, saying the cancer was detected early and expressing confidence in her care.
“This past week, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “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 strong prognosis.”
She also highlighted how common the disease is among American women.
“Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis. 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,” Wiles said.
Wiles said she intends to continue serving in her role while undergoing treatment and thanked Trump for his support.
“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,” she said.
Trump emphasized Wiles’ importance to his administration, calling her one of his “closest and most important advisors” and praising her commitment to public service.
“She is tough and deeply committed to serving the American People,” Trump wrote. “She will soon be better than ever.”
Support for Wiles poured in from across Washington. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called her a strong leader and said the entire administration is “praying for Susie and rallying behind her.”
Lawmakers from both parties also expressed well wishes.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said he and his wife are praying for Wiles and encouraged regular screenings and early detection. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said he was keeping Wiles and her family in his thoughts, while Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) described her as a longtime friend and “one of the hardest-working people I know.”
Neither Trump nor Wiles provided details about the exact stage of the cancer or the type of treatment she will receive. However, both stressed that the disease was caught early, which medical experts say significantly improves outcomes.
According to federal health data, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, behind lung cancer. Early detection plays a major role in improving survival rates.
Wiles has had a long career in Republican politics. She worked in Washington in the 1970s, including in the office of Rep. Jack Kemp and later on Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign. She went on to play a key role in Florida politics and helped lead Trump’s successful 2024 campaign before becoming chief of staff for his second term.
Trump has frequently credited Wiles with running one of the most effective campaigns in modern political history, often praising her leadership and discipline.
Despite the diagnosis, Wiles signaled that there will be no disruption to her duties.
“The president has an effective team around him,” she said, adding that operations will continue smoothly while she undergoes treatment.