Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was recently spotted helping Susie Wiles, the first female White House chief of staff, by carrying her bag as they left the White House after a meeting on Saturday.
The moment gained attention online after DogeDesigner shared a video on X, captioning it: “A genuine act of kindness: Elon Musk helps Susie Wiles with her bag.”
Musk himself responded to the post, writing: “I’m a big fan of Susie Wiles.”
Wiles, a veteran Republican strategist, is widely credited with running one of Donald Trump’s most structured and disciplined campaigns. Alongside co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita, she played a crucial role in shaping Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
While keeping Trump strictly on-script was often a challenge, Wiles successfully minimised leaks, designed an effective outreach strategy to Latino and Black voters, and helped secure a decisive victory.
Earlier in January, the New York Times reported that Musk was set to receive a West Wing office in close proximity to Donald Trump and had already been issued a White House email.
However, a subsequent report dismissed the claim, crediting the White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles for blocking the move. The Times further reported that Wiles, known as the “Ice Maiden” for her cold and strategic demeanor, had blocked Musk from gaining access to the West Wing.
Even when Trump himself was asked whether Musk would be given office space in the West Wing. “No,” Trump had said.
Political analyst Dominic Michael Tripi posted on X that Susie Wiles had reportedly restricted Elon Musk’s direct access to the president, stating, “President Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has reportedly limited Elon Musk’s direct access to the President.”
Musk responded by dismissing the claim with two laughing emojis.
Wiles began her political career on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and has since worked with moderate Republicans.
Over the years, she has worked alongside several moderate Republican figures, including Jack Kemp, a staunch free-trade advocate, and Tillie Fowler, a congresswoman known for moderate positions on issues like gun control.
