Susie Wiles says she has early-stage breast cancer but will keep working

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White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said Monday that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and she plans to continue working through treatment while remaining one of President Donald Trump’s closest aides. Wiles, 68, said the diagnosis occurred over the previous week and that she did not indicate any plan to step back as she begins treatment.

In remarks, Wiles said, “Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis,” adding that “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.” Wiles also issued the disclosure through a social media post, the details of which Trump later echoed publicly.

Trump described Wiles as “one of the strongest people I know” and said her prognosis is “excellent.” In separate remarks, Trump said Wiles would “immediately start breast cancer treatment,” and he said during the treatment period she would be at the White House “virtually full time,” which he said made him “very happy.”

Trump made those comments after Wiles publicly disclosed her diagnosis. Within about 20 minutes of Trump’s post, Wiles was sitting next to him at a meeting of the Kennedy Center board of trustees, where Trump opened the remarks by saying Wiles had already begun treatment and called the diagnosis a “minor difficulty” she would overcome.

Wiles’ disclosure comes as Trump confronts multiple challenges at once, including the war in Iran, rising oil prices, and concerns in the U.S. about affordability, with midterm elections approaching this fall. Wiles is a longtime Trump ally who rose from campaign co-chair to his closest adviser and counsel.

The announcement also places attention on Wiles’ role in the White House’s day-to-day political management. AP reported that Wiles spent decades as a lobbyist and political operative in Florida and led Trump’s 2016 effort in the state, while she typically avoids the spotlight and nonetheless drew attention in December for a Vanity Fair interview that included criticism of leaders in the Trump administration.

Trump underscored his support for Wiles after that interview, describing it as a “hit piece” and saying she was “fantastic.” On Monday, Trump also said Melania Trump and he were with Wiles “in every way,” adding that they looked forward to working with Wiles on “the many big and wonderful things” happening for the country.

Outside the political context of the announcement, AP noted that breast cancer treatment can vary depending on how early the cancer is caught, and it typically involves either removing the tumor followed by radiation or removing the breast, known as a mastectomy. The cancer’s stage, subtype, and genetic makeup can also affect whether additional therapy is needed to help prevent recurrence.

In a Monday post, Trump also reiterated that Wiles is “tough and deeply committed to serving the American People,” positioning her disclosure as part of continuity during a period when his White House faces intense public scrutiny and policy pressure.