Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, stunned the White House after a candid interview in Vanity Fair that critiqued the president, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Wiles’ Unfiltered Interview
In a two-part profile published Tuesday, Wiles described the president as having “an alcoholic’s personality” and called Vance a “conspiracy theorist”. She also said the piece was a “hit piece” that lacked context.
Administration’s Immediate Response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt countered by saying the “entire Administration is grateful for her steady leadership and united fully behind her.” The senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity dismissed worries that Wiles might leave, noting that “none of us would work here” if rattled by negative coverage.
Trump’s Take
When asked by the New York Post if he had read the interview, Trump said he had not. He added, “Oh, she’s fantastic.” He also acknowledged his own “very possessive personality” and explained that he is fortunate “I’m not a drinker.” He repeated that he has said this many times, describing himself as “possessive and addictive type personality.”
Vice President Vance’s Defense
Vance, speaking in Pennsylvania, said he hadn’t read the piece but defended Wiles. He joked, “I only believe in the conspiracy theories that are true.” He praised Wiles, saying, “Susie Wiles, we have our disagreements. We agree on much more than we disagree, but I’ve never seen her be disloyal to the president of the United States, and that makes her the best White House chief of staff that I think the president could ask for.” He added that the administration should give fewer interviews to mainstream outlets.
Rahm Emanuel’s Surprise
Former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said he thought Wiles’ comments were a spoof. He noted that no chief of staff had ever given such a candid interview “not while you hold the title.” He advised, “Next time there’s a meal, bring a food taster.”
Criticism of Attorney General Bondi
Wiles took aim at Bondi’s handling of the Epstein case. She said Bondi “completely whiffed” on the group’s interests, giving binders full of nothingness and claiming a witness or client list was on her desk when it was not. Bondi did not respond to the criticism.
Wiles on Trump Policies
Wiles admitted that Trump’s tariffs had been more painful than expected. She conceded mistakes in the president’s mass deportation program and said the retribution campaign against perceived political enemies had gone beyond what she initially wanted. She also confirmed that the campaign to bomb alleged drug boats off Venezuela is part of a push to oust Nicolás Maduro, stating Trump wants to keep blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.
Key Takeaways
- Wiles’ interview sparked a White House backlash, with the administration defending her leadership.
- Trump acknowledged his personality traits and defended Wiles, while Vance praised her.
- Wiles criticized Bondi’s Epstein handling and offered candid insights into Trump’s policy missteps.
The revelations underscore the tension between the White House’s public image and the candid perspectives of its senior aides.
