Inside Susie Wiles' Bold Insights on Trump's Administration and the Epstein Controversy
Wiles' Critique of Bondi and the Epstein Case
Washington: Susie Wiles, who serves as the influential chief of staff to President Donald Trump, has openly criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi's management of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In a series of interviews with Vanity Fair, Wiles expressed her initial underestimation of the Epstein controversy while also defending Trump's assertive approach during his second term.
Wiles revealed that Trump is determined to continue targeting alleged drug trafficking boats off Venezuela's coast until President Nicolas Maduro capitulates.
She mentioned a prior understanding with Trump that his campaign for retribution would conclude within the first 90 days of his second term, although it has extended well beyond that timeframe.
Having successfully led Trump's 2024 campaign, Wiles made history as the first female chief of staff at the White House. Her candid discussions about the president are rare, especially in the context of her extensive interviews with Vanity Fair, which began shortly before Trump assumed office.
Regarding Epstein, Wiles admitted she had not closely followed the allegations against wealthy individuals associated with the financier. She stated that after reviewing the Epstein files, she found no evidence implicating Trump in any wrongdoing, noting their past friendship before a fallout.
The Justice Department is under pressure to release all documents related to Epstein by Friday, following Trump's signing of legislation mandating public disclosure despite his initial objections.
Wiles criticized Bondi's earlier efforts, recalling how she distributed binders containing no substantial information about Epstein to social media influencers, which only intensified calls from Trump's supporters for the files to be made public.
Wiles remarked, "I think she completely whiffed on appreciating that that was the very targeted group that cared about this. First she gave them binders full of nothingness. And then she said that the witness list, or the client list, was on her desk. There is no client list, and it sure as hell wasn’t on her desk."
Throughout her interviews, Wiles portrayed Trump as a figure who mirrors his public persona: intense and broad-minded, yet often neglectful of intricate details. She clarified that he has not been as volatile as often portrayed, while affirming his fierce determination to seek retribution against perceived political adversaries.
Wiles described Trump as having "an alcoholic's personality," despite his sobriety, a trait she recognizes from her father, the renowned sports broadcaster Pat Summerall. She explained, "High-functioning alcoholics or alcoholics in general, their personalities are exaggerated when they drink. And so I’m a little bit of an expert in big personalities," adding that Trump possesses an unwavering belief in his capabilities.
On the topic of Venezuela, Wiles reiterated Trump's desire to maintain pressure on Maduro, stating, "He wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle. And people way smarter than me on that say that he will." This statement appeared to contradict the administration's official stance that the military actions are aimed at drug interdiction rather than regime change.
Wiles emphasized the administration's confidence in their targeting decisions, stating, "We are very sure we know who we’re blowing up." The ongoing military operations and rising casualties have attracted scrutiny from Congress, prompting investigations.
Wiles described her role as channeling Trump's energy and policy aspirations, including managing his desire for vengeance against those he holds responsible for his 2020 election loss and subsequent legal challenges.
Initially, she indicated a loose agreement that Trump's retribution efforts would cease within the first 90 days of his administration, but later clarified, "I don’t think he’s on a retribution tour," suggesting that his actions stem from a desire to prevent others from experiencing what he has endured. She acknowledged that while some actions may appear retaliatory, they are justified in her view.
When asked about the prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud, Wiles conceded, "Well, that might be the one retribution."