Overview
- At the Independent Women’s Forum gala at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., held Thursday night, President Trump delivered a surprise video tribute as Susie Wiles accepted the award.
- Organizers said Wiles earned the recognition for leading White House operations and driving the administration’s priorities, with group president Carrie Lukas calling her a “powerhouse” who keeps the team focused on results.
- In his message, Trump described Wiles as the first female White House chief of staff and praised her steady role across his campaigns and in the West Wing.
- Trump also noted Wiles’ recent breast cancer diagnosis and said her early treatment and resilience have inspired colleagues and friends.
- The award honors the legacy of 9/11 victim Barbara K. Olson and has previously gone to figures such as Condoleezza Rice, Nikki Haley, and Maria Bartiromo, underscoring the gala’s role as a gathering point for conservative leaders.