Trump says Susie Wiles will stay as White House chief of staff

President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday, October 16, 2026, that there is zero chance he will fire White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and that she will remain in her role for a long time.

The statement arrived amid mounting criticism of the administration and swirling speculation about senior staff turnover as the November midterm elections approach. By reaffirming Wiles’ position, Trump sought to signal stability in the West Wing and to quash rumors that he was considering a replacement.

Wiles, who was declared cancer‑free last month after undergoing treatment, has been highlighted by Trump as a key figure in restoring order to the White House after years of personnel turbulence. The president called the report that he was seeking a successor "fake news" and added, "I could not be more happy with Susie."

Earlier in the week, Politico’s Playbook newsletter reported that Trump had asked allies for thoughts on possible replacements, prompting a flurry of names, including deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and former housing official Bill Pulte. The speculation intensified after Trump offered press secretary Katie Zacharia a job on Friday, a move that some insiders read as a sign of Wiles’ waning influence.

Despite the internal chatter, senior aides said the president’s remarks were genuine. One close outside adviser told The Washington Post, "I can tell when he is being genuine, and he really meant that." Analysts note that Wiles’ tenure has been credited with bringing cohesion to the staff, a factor the administration may rely on as it navigates a potentially hostile election environment.

The midterms could shape the political landscape for the next two years, and the president is expected to deflect blame onto allies if Republicans perform poorly. Sources close to the White House suggest that, while the administration faces challenges such as the ongoing Iran war and rising energy costs, maintaining a steady chief of staff is part of Trump’s strategy to keep his base focused on the campaign.

Trump’s unequivocal support for Wiles leaves the next steps in staffing largely uncertain, but the administration is expected to continue emphasizing continuity while rallying supporters ahead of the November vote.