Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff for the White House, referred to an article by Vanity Fair as a “disingenuously constructed hit piece” that, in her view, left out crucial context.
On Tuesday morning, Wiles took to X to respond. The article by contributor Chris Whipple, which is quite lengthy—about 30 minutes of reading—was published as White House officials continued to express their support for her.
“The article released today is an unfairly framed attack on me, the president, our staff, and the Cabinet,” Wiles stated at the outset.
Wiles claimed that Whipple disregarded vital context and comments from herself and others.
Much important context was ignored, and a lot of what I said—along with the perspectives of others—was excluded. It seems to me this was done to create a predominantly negative and chaotic picture of the president and our team.
The fact is, President Trump’s administration has already achieved more in 11 months than any president has in eight years, thanks to his remarkable leadership, a role I’ve proudly filled for about a decade.
She declared, “None of this will deter us from our relentless mission to make America great again!”
Whipple’s article began with selective quotes from Wiles, seemingly aiming to create a rift between her and the administration, including Trump himself.
For instance, Whipple pointed out that Wiles described Trump as having “the personality of an alcoholic.” However, the full quote, revealed 14 paragraphs later, indicated she was referring to the president’s confidence and determination.
A few clinical psychologists may disagree with me, but I think high-functioning alcoholics tend to amplify their personalities when they drink. I’ve seen this in ‘big personalities.’ Wiles commented that Trump has an “alcoholic personality,” suggesting he believes there’s nothing he can’t achieve.
Whipple also cited Wiles as calling the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, an “extreme right-wing fanatic,” but he did not provide context or revisit Vought in the article.
Vought joined his colleagues on Tuesday morning in showing support for Wiles.
“Susie Wiles is an exceptional chief of staff. I had the opportunity to work in the White House under President Trump for both terms,” Vought remarked on X.
“It has never worked better, and he has never been more focused on his goals,” he added. “She has always been a supportive ally in helping the president execute his duties, and this hit piece won’t hold us back.”
In her statement on X, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt emphasized that “the entire administration” backs Wiles.
“Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has empowered President Trump to experience the most successful initial 11 months of any presidency in our history. Trump has never had a more devoted advisor than Susie,” Levitt wrote.
“The entire government appreciates her steady leadership and stands united in support of her,” she continued.
Donald Trump Jr. also chimed in with a lengthy and passionate post praising Wiles.
“Susie Wiles has been the most effective and reliable chief of staff my father has ever had,” he stated.
“When things got tough and other so-called friends abandoned my father, Susie remained committed and worked tirelessly to rebuild his political career for a successful return in 2024,” he noted, emphasizing her resilience.
Trump Jr. asserted that Wiles “never sought to undo my father’s America First policies” and described her as an “honest broker” solely interested in fulfilling his policy intentions, contrasting it with earlier administration dynamics.
“No one is better suited to be my father’s chief of staff than Susie,” he concluded, highlighting her role in bringing figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into the administration’s fold for 2024.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed his support for Wiles as well.
“In 2025, @POTUS will keep working for the American people, and @SusieWiles has led the way,” he wrote.
“Susie is an outstanding Chief of Staff; her tireless commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the President are unparalleled. Strong leadership often works quietly, never demands credit, yet consistently drives results. Our Chief of Staff exemplifies this,” he added, calling her “the most capable operator I’ve encountered.”
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin also shared his support for Wiles.
“Susie Wiles is an exceptional White House chief of staff. Her collaboration with President Trump and the strong team dynamic has achieved remarkable results for Americans in such a short span,” Zeldin remarked.
“I have immense respect for Susie, her impactful leadership, and her impressive accomplishments, with even greater successes yet to come,” he concluded.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the “radical left is working to create discord within President Trump’s team.”
Duffy stated, “That tactic has consistently failed,” adding, “From my experience working closely with Susie, I can confirm she is intelligent, tough, and wholly dedicated to President Trump and America.”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon commended Wiles as “a force of nature, the most clever and loyal chief of staff.”
McMahon added, “Working with her on her transition has been a privilege. Her judgment and steady leadership mark one of the most exceptional first years of any administration.”
