Trump’s Chief of Staff Rebukes Vanity Fair’s Alleged ‘Hit Piece’
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has publicly contested claims made in a recent Vanity Fair article. The article presents a critical view of the Trump administration and its key figures, including Wiles herself.
Wiles Disputes Vanity Fair Article
During her interviews with Vanity Fair, Wiles described President Donald Trump as exhibiting traits of an “alcoholic’s personality” while referring to Vice President JD Vance as a “conspiracy theorist.” Wiles later took to X, arguing that the magazine omitted “significant context” to fabricate a narrative that portrays the administration negatively.
Key Insights from the Interviews
In nearly a dozen interviews, Wiles addressed various topics, including:
- The handling of Epstein-related files
- Trump’s legal actions against his political opponents
- Some personality dynamics within the administration
Interestingly, she acknowledged the possibility of retribution driving Trump’s legal pursuits against adversaries, stating, “When there’s an opportunity, he will go for it.”
Wiles’ Background and Role
At 68, Wiles has been instrumental in Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign, becoming the first female White House Chief of Staff. She has a long association with Trump, having managed his campaign in Florida in 2016 and led his fundraising efforts through Save America.
Drawing from her personal history with an alcoholic father, Wiles explained her ability to navigate Trump’s often boisterous personality. “High-functioning alcoholics or alcoholics in general, their personalities are exaggerated when they drink,” she remarked.
Comments on Administration Figures
Wiles elaborated on JD Vance, who previously criticized Trump but has since become an ally. She suggested that Vance’s change in stance was politically motivated. Vance responded, saying he believes in conspiracy theories only if they are “true,” referencing concerns about President Joe Biden’s health.
Opinions on Elon Musk
Wiles also offered pointed commentary on tech mogul Elon Musk, who had previously undertaken cost-cutting measures in government. She labeled Musk as an “avowed Ketamine user” and described his unconventional living arrangements. Wiles criticized the gutting of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during Musk’s tenure. She expressed her belief in the agency’s important work, reflecting on Musk’s rapid execution style as potentially damaging.
Immediate Reactions
Following the publication of the Vanity Fair article, Wiles referred to it as a “disingenuously framed hit piece,” aimed at discrediting her and the Trump administration. She emphasized that the piece lacked crucial context and misrepresented many of her statements.
The White House has come forward to support Wiles, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praising her as instrumental in Trump’s early successes as president. Leavitt asserted, “President Trump has no greater or more loyal advisor than Susie.”
As of now, both Trump and Musk have yet to formally respond to the article in question.
