President Trump stands firmly behind White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, brushing aside a recent Vanity Fair profile that stirred Washington with its sharp-edged revelations.
Trump defended Wiles in an exclusive interview with The Post on Tuesday, affirming her assessment of his “alcoholic’s personality” and expressing unwavering confidence in her leadership.
Trump, a lifelong teetotaler shaped by the tragic loss of his brother Fred to alcohol-related causes in 1981, took no offense at Wiles’ words. He echoed her sentiment, admitting, “I’ve often said that if I did [drink], I’d have a very good chance of being an alcoholic,” citing his own possessive and addictive tendencies.
Addressing the Vanity Fair piece directly, Trump dismissed its credibility without even reading it, calling the interviewer “purposely misguided.” He praised Wiles as “fantastic,” suggesting the magazine has lost its way along with its readership.
The president also hinted at deception in the interview process, noting that Wiles rarely grants such access. He speculated that the journalist exploited brief encounters to spin a distorted narrative.
Wiles herself took to X on Tuesday morning, labeling the article a “disingenuously framed hit piece” on both her and the administration. She argued that key context was omitted to craft a chaotic, negative portrayal of Trump and his team.
Support for Wiles poured in from across the administration, with Vice President JD Vance owning up to her critique of him as “a conspiracy theorist.” Vance quipped, “I only believe in the conspiracy theories that are true,” turning the jab into a badge of honor while joking about it with Wiles privately and publicly.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also stood by Wiles, calling her a “dear friend” who tirelessly advances Trump’s agenda with grace and loyalty. Bondi warned that efforts to divide the administration or downplay Trump’s achievements would fall flat.
White House budget director Russell Vought, despite being dubbed a “right-wing absolute zealot” in the profile, hailed Wiles as an exceptional chief of staff. He emphasized her role as an ally in delivering on Trump’s vision, undeterred by what he saw as a cheap shot from the magazine.
Unlike predecessors who often fueled infighting during Trump’s first term, Wiles has earned praise for quietly smoothing over disputes among officials. Her approach prioritizes open access to the president, a stark contrast to the gatekeeping of past chiefs like John Kelly, who later became a vocal critic.
In an earlier interview with The Post in April, Wiles explained her philosophy, stating, “I view my responsibility as making sure he gets unvarnished information and complete truth.” She actively encourages diverse inputs to ensure Trump hears a full range of perspectives.
Trump loyalists frequently contrast her steady hand with the chaos of his first-term staff dynamics. They see her as a stabilizing force, vital to the administration’s current cohesion and focus on results.
The Vanity Fair profile also touched on foreign policy, with Wiles revealing Trump’s private view that Vladimir Putin aims to control all of Ukraine, not just parts like Donetsk. She noted mixed tones in their calls with the Russian leader, ranging from cordial to tense.
While Trump has publicly projected optimism about brokering peace in the nearly four-year conflict, he avoided commenting on the profile via Truth Social as of Tuesday evening. Instead, he focused on announcing a prime-time address for Wednesday to highlight his administration’s successes and future plans.
Ultimately, this episode reveals a team united under pressure, refusing to let a glossy magazine’s spin derail their mission. Wiles, backed by Trump’s trust and her colleagues’ loyalty, emerges as a linchpin in a White House determined to prioritize action over petty distractions.
