“Ice Maiden” against Musk: Trump administration chief puts billionaire in place

Susie Wiles, Donald Trump's chief of staff, criticized Elon Musk, refused to give him an office in the White House and said that she would not tolerate “drama”.

Elon Musk, billionaire and head of Tesla and SpaceX, met with resistance in the White House. Donald Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, nicknamed the “Ice Maiden”, harshly criticized Musk, refusing to give him an office in the West Wing. This is written by the Daily Mail.

Much has been made of the billionaire's status as “first friend,” as he is the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and even sits in the Oval Office when Trump signs bills.

However, he has also been controversial and has become an easy target for Democrats, who jokingly refer to him as “co-president.”

Susie Wiles, a 67-year-old veteran Republican, scored her first victory on Trump's first day in office when he confirmed that Musk would not have a desk in the West Wing.

Musk reportedly insisted on his own office a few feet from the Oval Office, but instead his DOGE team will be based in the Eisenhower Building, across the street from the White House. home.

The DOGE chief administrator is also expected to report to Susie, a sign of her control over the White House.

Experts believe that Susie Wiles, who successfully managed Trump’s Florida campaigns in 2016 and 2020, has all the qualities needed to handle the president.

“There has never been an administration that has made so many power plays so early. She has the heart and the skills to do it — if anyone is going to succeed, it’s her,” — added pollster Frank Lantz.

Just two weeks before Trump took office, Wiles made it clear in an interview that she would take a tough line.

“I don't welcome people who want to work alone or be the star. My team and I will not tolerate bad language, inappropriate doubt or drama. It's counterproductive to the mission,” Susie Wiles told Axios.

Trump's first term as president has been marked by internal strife, baseless claims and leaks. Aides have created rival fiefdoms within the West Wing and fought each other for the most influence over the president.

Some of his second-term officials have already become stars, including X CEO Elon Musk.

Musk has often used his social media account to comment on politics — whether American or foreign. He recently got into a spat with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, insulted outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and commented on Donald Trump's desire to “buy” Greenland.

Nicknamed the “Ice Maiden” by Trump himself, Wiles, 67, is a longtime Republican operative from Florida who takes her job very seriously. She will be the first woman to serve as chief of staff, the highest-ranking White House job.

“The West Wing staff is a mix of newcomers and veterans, many of them young, all willing to work hard. I believe wholeheartedly in teamwork. Anyone who can't be relied upon to collaborate and focus on a common goal doesn't work in the West Wing,” she said.

Wiles also said that Trump is actively involved in the hiring process, personally interviewing many senior staffers both in the White House and at various federal agencies.

Last week, she imposed a social media ban on members of her cabinet, ordering them not to post information without approval.

“While this guidance has been given before, I reiterate that no member of the new administration or transition speaks on behalf of the United States or the President-elect himself. Accordingly, all prospective candidates should refrain from any public postings on social media without prior approval from the new White House counsel,” — she said.

However, she is also expected to face difficulties in ensuring discipline within Trump's team.

One of the chief of staff's main responsibilities is to manage the president's time and determine who has access to it.

Trump was irritated by such restrictions during his first term, when he changed four chiefs of staff in four years. Aides often snuck into the Oval Office to talk to him, knowing that he would likely listen to them all. Trump also frequently spoke with outside advisers, family members and others who had access to him, — often making last-minute changes to processes and decisions.

However, Wiles is highly respected in politics and is credited with running a disciplined and professional campaign that led Trump to a landslide victory in November 2024.

Trump has spoken publicly of his admiration and respect for her.