White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has publicly pushed back against a Vanity Fair article that she says unfairly portrayed the Trump administration and its senior leadership.
The article quoted Wiles describing President Donald Trump as having what she called an “alcoholic’s personality” and referred to Vice President JD Vance as a long-time conspiracy theorist. However, Wiles later said the magazine stripped her remarks of important context and reshaped them to fit a negative narrative.
Wiles Calls Article a “Hit Piece”
Soon after the story appeared, Wiles responded on X. She accused Vanity Fair of publishing a “disingenuously framed hit piece” aimed at exaggerating dysfunction inside the White House.
She said the article omitted key parts of her interviews, which she believes distorted both her views and the broader picture of the administration. As a result, she argued, the story misrepresented how the team actually functions.
At 68, Wiles played a crucial role in Trump’s 2024 election victory. She later made history as the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. Today, many see her as one of the most powerful figures in Trump’s second term.
Wide-Ranging Interview Topics
Across nearly a dozen interviews, Wiles discussed a wide range of sensitive issues. These included the handling of Epstein-related files, Trump’s legal battles, and internal dynamics within the administration.
She acknowledged that Trump may sometimes pursue legal action against political opponents. Still, she stressed that he does not wake up seeking revenge. Instead, she said he acts when opportunities present themselves.
Remarks on Trump and JD Vance
Wiles said her upbringing with an alcoholic father helped her understand strong and exaggerated personalities. She believes that experience prepared her to work closely with Trump.
Although Trump does not drink, Wiles said he governs with extreme confidence. In her view, he believes there are no limits to what he can achieve. She also suggested JD Vance’s shift from critic to ally came partly from political realities.
When asked about the article, Vance said he had not read it. He added that he only accepts conspiracy theories that later prove true, citing concerns about former President Joe Biden’s health.
Blunt Assessment of Elon Musk
Wiles offered her sharpest comments about tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk previously led aggressive cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency before leaving government service earlier this year.
She described him as unconventional and intense. While she criticized his fast-moving approach, she also acknowledged his drive to achieve results quickly.
Wiles said she strongly opposed efforts to dismantle the US Agency for International Development. She argued that while reform may be needed, the agency has a long record of doing meaningful work.
White House Voices Strong Support
Following the backlash, the White House firmly defended Wiles. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised her leadership and credited her with helping Trump deliver what she called an exceptionally productive first year in office.
Leavitt said Wiles remains Trump’s most trusted adviser and confirmed that the administration stands fully behind her. Neither Trump nor Musk has commented publicly on the Vanity Fair article.
