WASHINGTON (AP) — Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s influential chief of staff, recently shared her perspectives on the Trump administration and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in a series of interviews with Vanity Fair.
Wiles expressed her underestimation of the Epstein case and offered a candid critique of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s management. She emphasized the need for more effective communication about the investigation and pointed out that Bondi’s distribution of binders containing little relevant information led to increased frustration among Trump's supporters.
After the article’s release, Wiles dismissed it as a “disingenuously framed hit piece,” asserting that the essential context was omitted to create a chaotic narrative surrounding Trump and his team. Despite her criticisms, Wiles did not refute the statements attributed to her.
In her discussions, Wiles characterized Trump as a determined leader driven by a desire for retribution against those he believes have wronged him, a description that has been corroborated by her experiences in the administration. She also mentioned a loose agreement aimed at curbing his retributory impulses early in his second term, which appears to have subsided as the term has progressed.
Additionally, Wiles discussed Trump's approach towards Venezuela, disclosing his controversial intent to continue military actions until President Nicolas Maduro capitulates, contrasting it with administration claims focused on anti-drug operations.
As the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, Wiles has remained a relatively reserved figure in the spotlight. Her comments to Vanity Fair represent a rare instance of her candid insights into the dynamics of the Trump administration, revealing both her and Trump's viewpoints on various challenges during his presidency.
