Trump Praises Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Video Tribute at Valor Award Ceremony

Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff, received the Independent Women’s Forum’s Woman of Valor Award on Thursday night. Trump honored his longtime aide with a surprise video tribute during the ceremony.

"The woman of valor, that is Susie, come to think of it. Not only is Susie the first female chief of staff in American history, she's also one of the best White House chiefs of staff ever in history, I say the best, actually. I'm tremendously grateful for her friendship, loyalty, and support every single day. She's a real professional," Trump said in the video message, which Fox News Digital shared.

The award honors the legacy of Independent Women’s Forum founder Barbara K. Olson, killed in the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon. It recognizes women who show commitment and courage to advance economic liberty, personal responsibility and political freedom. Trump highlighted Wiles making history as the first female White House chief of staff after a long career in Republican politics and key roles in his 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award. Her strength, courage, and deep love of our country are inspiring to so many. I have the privilege of serving President Trump, our administration and my dedicated colleagues who fight every day to protect liberty, expand opportunity, and strengthen the lives of American families," Wiles told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"This award is not just a personal honor but a reflection of that shared mission, and I am grateful, humbled, and more committed than ever to continuing that work," she added.

Trump noted in the message that Wiles has inspired others while battling cancer. "It's been especially inspiring to see her courage and toughness in recent weeks as she's been winning a battle with cancer, winning it decisively. It was an early diagnosis, so she's going to be in great shape. Susie played a key role in every one of my campaigns for president, but especially in 2024 when she helped lead us to perhaps the most consequential election victory in modern times," he said.

"Everything we have done here in the White House has been with her help and her leadership. She's respected by everybody. Every one of these people, they respect Susie. We have a problem. I say go to Susie, we owe her tremendous debt and what she's done is just incredible for our country. Thank you to Susie and congratulations," Trump added.

In March, Wiles announced an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis with a strong prognosis. She said she now joins many women with breast cancer who continue to raise children, go to work and serve communities.

Trump has called Wiles the "Ice Maiden," a nickname from his 2024 victory speech, for her tough approach to politics. She avoids public attention and works as his behind-the-scenes enforcer in the White House.

Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women’s Forum, called Wiles an inspiration and a "powerhouse of getting work done" in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Wiles was instrumental in securing President Trump’s victory and continues to keep the administration laser-focused on delivering results. Her impact is enormous—even if she rarely seeks the credit—and that’s exactly why it’s so meaningful to honor her," Lukas said.

Wiles is the 19th recipient, joining Miranda Devine, Kimberley Strassel, Janice Dean, Maria Bartiromo, Betsy DeVos, Nikki Haley, Kellyanne Conway, Carly Fiorina, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Condoleezza Rice.

Several cabinet members attended to show support: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and FBI Director Kash Patel.

The Independent Women’s Forum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1992, presents itself as an alternative to mainstream feminist groups.