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The White House woke up this Wednesday engulfed in a political scandal following the publication of a lengthy interview in with Susie Wiles, chief of staff to President Donald Trump, who claimed that the president has an “alcoholic personality.”
The phrase, spoken by one of the most influential figures in the presidential circle, caused an immediate uproar and forced Trump to come to his defense.
Wiles, known for her low profile and effectiveness in internal management, granted eleven interviews to journalist Chris Whipple, author of the book The Gatekeepers, about the role of chiefs of staff in U.S. presidential history.
The result was an unusually candid portrait of Trump's right hand, who not only depicted the president as someone who "believes there is nothing he cannot do," but also lashed out at several members of the government.
In the article, Wiles referred to Vice President J. D. Vance as “a conspiracy theorist”, confirmed rumors about Elon Musk's ketamine use, and criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The publication, accompanied by carefully produced photographs, stirred the pre-Christmas atmosphere in Washington.
Wiles reacted hours later on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that the report was “a deceptively crafted piece” that aimed to “
"Trump's White House has accomplished more in eleven months than any other president in eight years," he wrote, reaffirming his loyalty to Trump and his commitment to "making America great again."
The damage control attempt did not prevent the matter from escalating. Trump intervened in an emergency interview with the New York Post, where he admitted with laughter that he “has an alcoholic personality,” although he reiterated that he has never drunk.
"If I did it, I would probably be an alcoholic", said the president, defending his chief of staff as "a fantastic person who has done an incredible job".
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, accused Vanity Fair of manipulating Wiles’ words “to harm the White House,” while the presidential spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, shared a supportive message: “President Trump has no more loyal advisor than Susie. The entire Administration stands united behind her.”
The profile of Vanity Fair has reignited the debate about Wiles' role, the first woman in history to hold the position of chief of staff. Her sudden media exposure has left the U.S. capital puzzled, as it tries to decipher what prompted the most reserved woman in Trump's circle to break her usual silence in such an explosive manner.
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