Internal strain surfaces inside Trump White House: Axios reports

• Susie Wiles’ interviews point to deep tensions and unconventional decision-making at the top of the administration.
• Remarks cover Trump’s leadership style, Elon Musk’s influence, and sensitive legal and foreign policy issues.

A report published offers a rare glimpse into mounting internal strain within President Donald Trump’s second-term White House, drawing on a series of interviews given by Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to Vanity Fair over the past year, according to Axios.

Leadership driven by certainty

Wiles portrayed Trump as a leader defined by absolute confidence in his own instincts. She suggested that his governing style leaves little room for restraint, shaped by a belief that obstacles are meant to be overcome rather than respected. The comparison, rooted in her personal experience, was meant to illustrate a pattern of behavior rather than a literal analogy, according to the report.

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Musk’s disruptive presence

Wiles also spoke candidly about Elon Musk, who oversaw the Department of Government Efficiency, describing his presence inside the administration as disruptive and unpredictable. She acknowledged his use of ketamine and said his unconventional work habits included sleeping inside executive buildings. His decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development shocked senior officials and was viewed internally as erratic, the report said.

Positioning for the next race

The Axios report said Wiles views Vice President JD Vance as a strong potential contender for the presidency in 2028 and indicated she would support such a bid. She described his shift from an outspoken critic of Trump to a close ally as a strategic political calculation, while noting his long-running engagement with conspiracy-driven narratives, particularly surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case.

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Epstein files and public fallout

On the Epstein matter, Wiles acknowledged that Trump’s name appears in the files but stressed there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. She framed their past relationship as social rather than illicit and sharply criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for amplifying claims about a comprehensive client list that does not exist.

Venezuela and use of pressure

Wiles also addressed US actions against vessels linked to Venezuela, saying the primary objective was to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro rather than solely to counter drug trafficking. She acknowledged that any escalation inside Venezuelan territory would require congressional approval, while noting Trump’s preference for aggressive sanctions against drug networks.

Retaliation and legal setbacks

Wiles conceded that elements of retaliation have played a role in the administration’s conduct, pointing to legal actions targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. A federal judge dismissed those cases in November, and although the Justice Department signaled it would appeal, no such move has yet been made, according to Axios.

In response to the report, Wiles said her remarks were selectively presented and stripped of context, arguing that the interviews were used to exaggerate perceptions of dysfunction and chaos within the administration.