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Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles hits back at Vanity Fair 'hit piece'

December 16, 2025

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles gave extensive interviews to Vanity Fair magazine where she made controversial characterizations of key administration figures, including comparing President Trump to an alcoholic in terms of personality traits and calling Vice President Vance a former conspiracy theorist. She also described Elon Musk as a ketamine user and criticized aspects of his cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency, though she acknowledged some government reform was necessary. After the article's publication, Wiles claimed the magazine removed important context and created an unfairly negative portrayal of the administration.

Who is affected

  • President Donald Trump
  • White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
  • Vice President JD Vance
  • Elon Musk
  • White House staff and cabinet members
  • The US Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • Vanity Fair magazine
  • Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

What action is being taken

  • Wiles is defending herself on social media platform X against the Vanity Fair article
  • The White House is defending Wiles through official statements
  • Press Secretary Leavitt is speaking to reporters to counter the article's narrative

Why it matters

  • This situation matters because it reveals internal tensions and candid assessments within the highest levels of the Trump administration from one of its most powerful members. The public dispute also raises questions about media accuracy versus administrative transparency, and highlights the complex dynamics between Trump and his key advisors. Additionally, Wiles' position as the first female White House Chief of Staff gives her comments and this controversy particular historical significance.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC