Trump makes Wiles his first cabinet pick

Wide array of people for top jobs await as Biden pledges peaceful transfer

WASHINGTON — US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will be his White House chief of staff, entrusting a top position to a political operative who helped the Republican candidate win the election.

The appointment was the first of what is expected to be a flurry of staffing announcements as Trump girds for a return to the White House on Jan 20.

As a gatekeeper to the president, the chief of staff typically wields great influence as they manage White House staff, organize the president's time and schedule, and maintain contact with other government departments and lawmakers.