President Trump on Thursday forcefully rejected a report suggesting that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles might be in trouble, issuing a personal statement that reaffirmed his support for one of his most trusted aides.
The president's remarks came in response to a Politico story that said Trump had been soliciting opinions about Wiles from allies and had received negative feedback. The White House released the president's statement to the outlet, in which he called the report “TOTAL FAKE NEWS” and accused Politico of lacking “facts, integrity, or honest journalism.”
“Susie Wiles is my loyal and longest serving Chief of Staff — there is a reason for that. She has been with me since the beginning, is my trusted advisor, and has my COMPLETE confidence. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the statement read.
Wiles, who served as co-campaign manager for Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, has been a central figure in shaping his second administration. She is widely regarded as one of the few aides with enduring influence in Trump’s inner circle, and has been publicly praised by the president on multiple occasions.
Earlier this year, after Wiles announced her breast cancer diagnosis, Trump called her “an amazing person” and “an amazing fighter.” Last month, she revealed she was cancer-free.
The Politico report lands amid broader scrutiny of Trump’s political operation. Weeks earlier, it emerged that James Blair and Chris LaCivita, who served alongside Wiles as co-campaign managers in 2024, had been paid to travel to the Balkans to advise a pro-Russian political party ahead of an election. Trump said on Truth Social that he was unaware of the trip and would fire the two if any wrongdoing was found.
Wiles has largely avoided the public fray, maintaining a low profile compared to other senior aides. Her position has been seen as secure, in part because of her long-standing relationship with Trump and her role in his political comeback.
The president’s emphatic defense suggests he is keen to quash any speculation about instability in his West Wing. Still, the report underscores the constant churn and internal rivalries that have defined Trump’s inner circle, even in his second term.
As the administration navigates ongoing legal battles and international tensions—including delays in a deposition and alarm over Starlink disruptions—Wiles’s role remains pivotal.
