President Donald Trump reportedly isn’t upset with remarks made by his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, in a recent Vanity Fair interview, where she referred to him as having an “alcoholic personality.” On Tuesday, the White House press secretary, Caroline Leavitt, suggested that the comments in the piece were taken “grossly” out of context.
In the wake of the Vanity Fair article, which included some sharp critiques about Trump and his inner circle, Trump expressed to the New York Post that Wiles’ characterization didn’t offend him. He explained that Wiles made it clear he doesn’t consume alcohol, but he acknowledged that if he did, he might struggle with addiction. “It’s a very possessive personality,” he stated.
Trump reiterated this characterization, mentioning he’s often described himself this way. “I don’t drink. If I did, I guess I would be quite capable of it—addictive, that’s the word,” he said, emphasizing the point multiple times.
The Vanity Fair article painted a rather unflattering picture of Trump’s associates. In addition to her comments about him, Wiles allegedly referred to Vice President J.D. Vance as a “10-year-old conspiracy theorist” and claimed that Attorney General Pam Bondi neglected crucial issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Wiles didn’t hold back regarding other administration members either, describing the Office of Management and Budget Director, Russell Vought, as a “far-right fanatic” and calling Elon Musk a “weird sucker” and a “public ketamine user.” Despite these criticisms, she did commend Trump’s cabinet, branding it “world-class.”
After the article’s release, Wiles responded by claiming it was a “hit piece” that misrepresented her and the administration. She argued that important context was overlooked, making her comments seem more negative than intended.
Other members of the Trump administration quickly came to Wiles’ defense. Vance dismissed Wiles’ comments about him, saying they joked about conspiracy theories together, emphasizing the camaraderie they shared. Bondi praised Wiles, stating any attempts to create division within the administration would be futile, asserting their unity.
Vought also lauded Wiles as an “exceptional” chief of staff, saying her role contributed significantly to the administration’s smooth operations. Hegseth accused the Vanity Fair piece of being a left-wing attempt to smear talented individuals within the administration, reiterating Wiles’ competence and trustworthiness.
Ambassador Mike Walz shared his long-standing respect for Wiles, calling her dedicated and integral to their mission. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment, describing her as the most talented operator he has encountered.
The controversy seems to have sparked a significant dialogue within the administration, showcasing a mix of loyalty and resilience among its members amid external critiques. Meanwhile, both Musk and Vanity Fair had yet to comment on the unfolding situation.
