Trump Defends Chief of Staff After ‘Alcoholic’s Personality’ Remark Sparks Debate
They’re conspiracy theory people, and none of them—this woman has not been disloyal” to the president.
Former US President Donald Trump.Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Former US President Donald Trump has come out in defense of his former White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, after a controversial Vanity Fair magazine interview was published containing comments by Susie Wiles citing an “alcoholic’s personality” in connection with Trump. These comments created quite an impact and are among those few comments by insiders that have provided a real insight into what was going on behind the scenes.
Trump spoke on Tuesday and expressed his full support for Wiles and her statement, despite the striking impression it gives readers. Trump even told the New York Post that he agrees with the characterization, even though the businessman does not actually consume any alcoholic drinks. Trump only reiterated his statement once more to remind the public of his thought process, claiming to be a complete teetotaler who believes his personality type to be intense and powerfully driven. Trump even explained the reasoning for his statement regarding his potential problems with drinking if he ever decided to take the habit: “If I ever drank, I would probably be an alcoholic because of my very possessive personality.” Trump also complimented Wiles, claiming she “has done a fantastic job.”
Wiles is 68 years old and has made history as the first woman to be the White House chief of staff. She has been praised by Trump in the past as the one who has been leading his second presidency since his comeback in January. Trump has also called her the “ice maiden;” this is because she is known as someone who is disciplined and in control. However, Wiles is in the news as a result of her comments in an interview with Vanity Fair.
According to the magazine, the piece is the culmination of a series of interviews conducted with the assistance of the last year with the help of veteran political reporter Chris Whipple. During the same interaction with the journalist, Wiles did not hold back on expressing opinions about other high-ranking officers within the administration. For example, she termed the Vice President, JD Vance, as “a conspiracy theorist,” while another person she dubbed “an odd, odd duck.”
However, after the publication of the piece, Wiles condemned the article, calling it “a disingenuously framed hit piece.” Wiles argued that Vanity Fair had used quotes from her interview in such a manner that the impression created is that Trump’s team is disorderly and dysfunctional. Moreover, Wiles maintained that several aspects of her comments, including all the affirmative quotes about the President and his administration, were left out.
In the interview, Vanity Fair cited Wiles, whose father, the late NFL announcer and voice of the NFL and CBS Sports, Pat Summerall, had issues with booze, as saying, “He thinks there is ‘nothing he can’t do.’” She also added that, though she is a supporter of the President, she is “not an enabler” and that she is “not a bitch.”
Wiles was especially vocal about Elon Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, claiming he is a “complete solo actor” who made bad decisions, such as closing the international aid agency of the USAID. She also commended her “core team,” led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, while remaining critical of others, like Attorney General Pam Bondi and budget chief Russ Vought.
Despite the scandal, some high-level government officials jumped at the opportunity to come up with a rebuttal against Wiles. The Vice President, Vance, downplayed her statements, saying: “They’re people we have joked about the last several years. They’re conspiracy theory people, and none of them—this woman has not been disloyal” to the president. Defense Secretary Hegseth raved over Wiles’ leadership, as Karoline Leavitt, the Press Secretary, called her “incredible.” The episode has reignited controversy about leadership, loyalty, and communication in Trump administration circles, bringing attention to the exceptionally candid voice from within one of its most influential members.
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