Trump and Allies Defend Susie Wiles Following Candid Vanity Fair Profile

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles faced scrutiny after a Vanity Fair article highlighted her blunt remarks about President Trump and his administration. Trump and key Cabinet members have publicly supported Wiles, calling her comments honest and reflective of her dedication.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles found herself at the center of political discussion on Tuesday after a detailed Vanity Fair article published candid quotes attributed to her about President Donald Trump, his administration, and top officials. The article, written by Chris Whipple, is based on extensive interviews with Wiles conducted between January and November of the previous year.

In the two-part feature, Wiles offered a frank assessment of the president’s personality and leadership style. Notably, she described Trump’s demeanor by saying he has "an alcoholic’s personality," despite the president not consuming alcohol. "High-functioning alcoholics or alcoholics in general, their personalities are exaggerated when they drink," Wiles said, according to Vanity Fair. "And so I'm a little bit of an expert in big personalities." She further characterized Trump as operating with the belief that "there's nothing he can't do. Nothing, zero, nothing."

President Trump responded to the report during an interview with the New York Post, stating he had not read the Vanity Fair article but praised Wiles. "She's fantastic," he said. Trump defended Wiles' description, explaining that although he abstains from alcohol, he has previously acknowledged having a "very possessive personality" that might align with traits of alcoholism if he were to drink. "I've said that many times about myself," Trump noted, emphasizing that his personality is "possessive and addictive type." He reiterated his gratitude for not being a drinker while acknowledging his own self-awareness of his traits.

Beyond her comments on the president, Wiles also made pointed remarks about other key figures and departments within the administration. She described Vice President JD Vance as having "been a conspiracy theorist for a decade." Additionally, she criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, stating Bondi "completely whiffed" on the matter. Wiles also voiced disapproval of Elon Musk's role in government affairs and condemned the early closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the initial months of the Trump administration. "No rational person could think the USAID process was a good one," she said. "Nobody."

In response to the public attention and controversy generated by the Vanity Fair piece, Wiles took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a statement. Her first post in over a year, Wiles described the article as a "disingenuously framed hit piece on me and the finest President, White House staff, and Cabinet in history." Her defense emphasized her loyalty and respect for the administration while disputing the tone and framing of the published profile.

The Vanity Fair article, which draws from 11 interviews over a ten-month period, paints a complex picture of Wiles’ role and perspective within the White House. Known for her straightforward communication style, Wiles’ comments have sparked debate about internal dynamics and public perceptions of the Trump administration.

Members of the president’s Cabinet and other allies have rallied to support Wiles, underscoring her contributions to the White House team. Their defense highlights the challenges of managing a high-profile role while navigating intense media scrutiny.

As the Trump administration continues to confront various political and policy challenges, the candid remarks from one of its key staffers offer insight into the inner workings and personal relationships that shape the current government landscape.