Trump says White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has early-stage breast cancer, but will continue to work during treatment

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer but will continue to work during her treatment, President Donald Trump said in a social media post Monday.

Trump said Wiles’ prognosis was “excellent” and called her “one of the strongest people I know.” He said Wiles plans to begin treatment immediately, but did not indicate that she would step back from her role as one of his closest advisors.

He added: “During the treatment period, she will spend almost all of her time in the White House, which makes me, as president, very happy!” Trump said on his Social Truth platform. “You’ll soon be better than ever!”

It comes as the Republican president faces mounting challenges on both global and national fronts, from the war in Iran and rising oil prices to this fall’s midterm elections and American concerns about affordability.

Wells, 68, is a long-time ally of Trump, and has risen from the position of co-chair of his campaign to his closest adviser and advisor. The first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, Wiles spent decades as a lobbyist and political operative in Florida and led Trump’s 2016 effort in the state.

She mostly avoids the spotlight but gained attention in December with an unusually candid interview with Vanity Fair in which she made critical remarks about Trump administration leaders including Vice President J.D. Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump reiterated his confidence in Wells in the aftermath, calling the interview a “hit piece” and calling Wells “awesome.”

Trump emphasized in his message on Monday that Wells is “tough and deeply committed to serving the American people.”

“Melania and I are with her in every way, and we look forward to working with Susie on many big, wonderful things happening for our country,” Trump said.