White House chief of staff diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, will begin treatment immediately, and is expected to recover, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social March 16.

Trump said Wiles has an “excellent” prognosis and will continue working at the White House during treatment. He praised her resilience, calling her “an amazing person, an amazing fighter” and one of his most trusted advisors.

In a statement, Wiles said she learned of the diagnosis last week and expressed gratitude that doctors detected the cancer early. She also noted the broader reality many women face.

“Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis,” Wiles said. “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.”

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, though early detection significantly improves survival rates. About 270,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wiles said she remains encouraged by her prognosis and grateful for the support she has received while continuing her work in the administration.

Lawmakers from both parties offered messages of support and prayer. 

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a March 16 post on X that he and his wife were praying for Wiles, emphasizing the importance of early cancer screenings.

“Barbara and I are strong supporters of regular screenings & early detection based on Barbara’s experience 39yrs ago," Grassley wrote. "Susie will be an inspiration to many in this fight."

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said he and his wife, Ann, are also praying for Wiles.

“Susie Wiles is an incredible person,” he wrote in a post on X. “She’s been a friend since 2010, when she ran my first Governor’s race. She has always been a true leader and an impressive tactician. She is one of the hardest-working people I know, and continues to be as President Trump’s Chief of Staff.” 

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania also expressed his solidarity with Wiles as she faces cancer. 

"I’ve just heard the news about White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, Fetterman wrote in a post on X. “My deep sympathies are with her as she navigates kicking breast cancer’s a--. Keeping her and her family in my thoughts.”

Trump administration officials also issued statements of support.

“Susie Wiles epitomizes what it means to be a strong leader,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post on X. “She is also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”

She added, “I know I speak for the President and the entire White House when I say that we are all praying for Susie and rallying behind her as she prepares to fight this battle against breast cancer.”

Vice President JD Vance also assured Wiles of his family’s prayers.