Trump’s chief of staff pick worked as a tobacco lobbyist during 2024 campaign

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a second term, his recent appointment of longtime GOP strategist Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff is raising questions about corporate influence in his administration. Wiles, a central figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign, also worked as a registered lobbyist for Swisher International, a major tobacco company, as recently as this year. Despite her role in delivering what Trump called “one of the greatest political victories in American history,” her lobbying connections are sparking debate on how corporate interests might shape the upcoming administration.

Wiles, a seasoned political operative with deep roots in Florida politics, began managing Trump’s political operations in 2021, a role she held through the 2024 election cycle. Her experience includes prior work for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former presidential candidates, including Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush. Known for her ability to operate efficiently behind the scenes, Wiles’ professional image is that of a disciplined strategist who helped Trump maintain focus during his campaign.

Yet, during her time running Trump’s campaign, Wiles was actively lobbying for Swisher International on issues related to FDA regulations. Public disclosures reveal that her firm, Mercury Public Affairs, received $120,000 from Swisher in lobbying fees between 2023 and early 2024, though no termination report has been filed. Mercury’s lobbying list includes major corporations like Kellogg’s, Kraft-Heinz, and Nestlé, aligning with Wiles’ history of working for high-profile clients.

As co-chair of Mercury Public Affairs, Wiles is connected to an extensive client base across various sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, and defense. Mercury represents companies like Pfizer, AT&T, and Tesla, all entities that stand to benefit from regulatory decisions under Trump’s leadership. Mercury CEO Kieran Mahoney expressed his support for Wiles’ new role, stating, “This is great news for the country. Susie has been a valued colleague.”

Trump’s campaign theme of fighting “Washington’s corruption” contrasted sharply with his reliance on individuals with deep ties to corporate lobbying. Throughout his campaign, he positioned himself as a champion of the working class, but his transition team includes figures closely associated with Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and foreign interests. Two billionaires, Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, are leading his transition team, raising concerns among Trump’s critics that corporate influence may grow under his administration.

As Wiles prepares to assume her role, Trump’s potential Cabinet appointees and advisors reveal the depth of corporate reach into the incoming administration. Reports indicate that Trump may appoint Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and Trump donor, or John Paulson, a vocal proponent of tax cuts, as Secretary of the Treasury. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, another major Trump backer, is expected to play an advisory role, potentially shaping regulatory policy in ways that could benefit his companies.

Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, issued a report citing Musk’s businesses as facing scrutiny from at least nine federal agencies for alleged misconduct. “Enforcement priorities can shift significantly when administrations change,” the report said. It warned that Musk’s increasing political involvement could influence regulatory enforcement, potentially shielding his companies from oversight.

Consumer and labor advocates are reacting critically to Trump’s selection of Wiles, particularly given her lobbying history with Swisher International and Mercury’s roster of processed food and tobacco clients. Trump’s campaign slogan to “Make America Healthy Again,” which targeted processed foods in school meals, now seems at odds with the influence of lobbyists representing companies like Kellogg’s and Kraft-Heinz.

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, commented on the situation, stating, “One thing is certain: we cannot and will not retreat. For more than 40 years, NILC has been steadfast in our fight to defend the rights of low-income immigrants and their loved ones.”