White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, in a detailed Vanity Fair profile based on multiple interviews, compared President Donald Trump’s personality to that of an alcoholic—despite his teetotaling—drawing from her father’s struggles. She also addressed Trump’s grudge-holding tendencies amid swift backlash from the administration.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles provided candid insights into President Donald Trump’s personality and leadership style in a Vanity Fair profile published this week, based on extensive on-the-record interviews conducted over the past year.
Wiles, whose late father Pat Summerall was an NFL broadcaster who struggled with alcoholism, described Trump—who does not drink—as having 'an alcoholic’s personality.' She explained that such personalities feature exaggerated traits, likening it to high-functioning alcoholics.
In the same interviews, part of a broader profile covering administration dynamics, Wiles acknowledged Trump’s appetite for retribution when opportunities arise. On the failed prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, she noted it could appear 'vindictive.' Regarding allegations of mortgage fraud against New York Attorney General Letitia James, Wiles called it 'the one retribution,' clarifying that Trump does not fixate on revenge daily but seizes openings.
Wiles also characterized Vice President JD Vance as 'a conspiracy theorist for a decade,' attributing his shift from Trump critic to supporter as political, and described Elon Musk as 'an avowed ketamine user and an odd, odd duck,' a reference to the genius archetype.
The profile drew immediate backlash. Wiles posted on X that it was a 'disingenuously framed hit piece on me and the finest President, White House staff, and Cabinet in history,' claiming omitted context created a chaotic narrative. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Wiles as Trump’s 'no greater or more loyal advisor.' As of publication, Trump had not publicly commented on the specific remarks.
This coverage builds on the multifaceted Vanity Fair reporting, which has sparked debate over Wiles’ role and candor inside the administration.
