Trump has 'alcoholic's personality,' chief of staff says in bombshell interview

• White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles sparks controversy calling Trump’s personality “alcoholic-like,” while Trump shrugs it off.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is facing a firestorm of controversy following the publication of a sprawling, multi-part Vanity Fair profile in which she describes President Donald Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality.”

The interview, conducted over the past year by veteran political journalist Chris Whipple, offers a rare, unvarnished look at the inner workings of the second Trump administration from the woman often credited with bringing discipline to the President’s political operation.

The ‘Alcoholic’s Personality’

Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff, drew a direct parallel between the President’s behavior and her own experiences with her late father, legendary NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, who struggled with alcoholism.

In the profile published Tuesday, Wiles described Trump, a lifelong teetotaler, as operating with a mindset where "there’s nothing he can’t do. Nothing, zero, nothing." She characterized his intensity and "possessive" nature as traits commonly found in those with addictive personalities.

"I’m not an enabler," Wiles told Whipple, though she admitted she has had to "pick her battles" in the Oval Office.

Trump and Allies React

The remarks sent shockwaves through Washington, but the President himself appeared unfazed. Speaking to the New York Post late Tuesday, Trump said he was not offended and actually agreed with Wiles’ assessment.

"She’s right. I do have an obsessive and addictive personality," Trump said, noting that his late brother, Fred Jr., suffered from alcoholism. "I’ve often said that if I did [drink], I’d have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I’m fortunate I’m not a drinker."

Despite the President’s personal shrug, Wiles issued a sharp statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday morning, distancing herself from the magazine's framing. She labeled the article a "disingenuously framed hit piece" and accused Vanity Fair of disregarding "significant context" to paint a "chaotic and negative narrative."

Bombshells Beyond the President

The profile did not limit its candor to the President. Wiles reportedly provided blunt assessments of several high-profile figures in the administration:

JD Vance: Wiles characterized the Vice President’s shift from a "Never Trumper" to a MAGA loyalist as "sort of political" and referred to him as a "conspiracy theorist" regarding certain past scandals.

Elon Musk: She described the tech billionaire as an "odd, odd duck" and a "complete solo actor," expressing initial frustration with his approach to government efficiency.

Pam Bondi: Wiles criticized the Attorney General’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, suggesting Bondi "completely whiffed" on the public release of documents.

Staff in Defense Mode

While the candid nature of the interview led some, including former Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, to question if the remarks were a "spoof," the current administration has closed ranks.

Vice President Vance addressed the comments in a public appearance, noting that he and Wiles "joked in private" about his interest in theories and that he has never seen her be "disloyal" to the President.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also issued statements of support, calling Wiles "incredible" and blaming the publication for "bias of omission."

The fallout comes at a critical juncture for the administration, as Wiles, nicknamed the "Ice Maiden" by Trump for her stoic demeanor, attempts to manage a restless GOP and a demanding legislative agenda.

Despite the headlines, White House insiders suggest Wiles’ position remains secure so long as she retains the confidence of the President.