Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, drew scrutiny on Tuesday after a Vanity Fair profile quoted her describing US President Donald Trump as having “an alcoholic’s personality” and giving candid assessments of top aides.
In the first part of the profile, Wiles is quoted saying Trump, a teetotaler, has “an alcoholic’s personality,” a comparison she linked to her familiarity with addiction in her family. The article cites Wiles' sharp characterizations of senior figures, including calling Vice President JD Vance “a conspiracy theorist for a decade,” labeling policy adviser Russell Vought “a right-wing absolute zealot,” and suggesting that Elon Musk is “microdosing.”
The piece also portrays Wiles as a facilitator of Trump’s agenda and includes her account of internal policy and personnel debates. Vanity Fair reports the remarks came from multiple on-the-record conversations during Trump’s second term.
Discussing the push to release the Epstein files, Wiles said she had underestimated the issue’s political potency.
“There is no client list, and it sure as hell wasn’t on her desk,” she said, criticizing Attorney-General Pam Bondi’s handling of the case. “[Trump] is in the file. And we know he’s in the file. And he’s not in the file doing anything awful. He was on [Epstein’s] plane… he’s on the manifest.”
Addressing claims about former president Bill Clinton, Wiles said that there was no evidence that he visited Epstein’s island.
“The president was wrong about that,” she added. Wiles also noted the scope of the review, stating “I don’t know how many agents looked through things, but it was a lot.”
Boat strikes, legality, and authorization
On lethal strikes against suspected smuggling vessels, Wiles said that Trump was maintaining his platform.
“The president believes in harsh penalties for drug dealers, as he’s said many, many times…. These are not fishing boats, as some would like to allege.”
She then added that the president doesn't need congressional approval for the strikes yet.
“We’re very sure we know who we’re blowing up. One of the great untold stories of the US government is the talents of the CIA.”
Wiles did note that operations on land would require congressional authorization.
Vanity Fair published the remarks alongside reports on directives from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Wiles discussed the tactics, but her quoted remarks did not name Hegseth.
Wiles claims loyalty to Trump in response
After publication, Wiles posted that the coverage created “an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative” and lacked context. She emphasized her loyalty to Trump and the team in the social media statement.
She did not specifically deny individual quotations, but emphasized her support for Trump and his team.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also responded, saying, "Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has helped President Trump achieve the most successful first 11 months in office of any President in American history."
"President Trump has no greater or more loyal advisor than Susie. The entire Administration is grateful for her steady leadership and united fully behind her."