The Daily Beast Podcast Why Susie Wiles Can't Deny Spilling Trump Secrets
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Dec 17, 2025 Chris Whipple, a veteran journalist and Vanity Fair contributor, delves into his eye-opening profile of Susie Wiles, a pivotal figure in Trump’s inner circle. He reveals how Wiles described Trump's 'alcoholic personality,' sparking chaos within the cabinet. Whipple shares insights from his unprecedented access, including revealing reactions from cabinet members and the public fallout from Wiles' candid remarks about notable allies. He examines the power dynamics in the White House and what this means for Wiles' future as Trump's chief of staff.
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Unprecedented Access Reveals Trump 2.0
- Chris Whipple says Susie Wiles gave 11 months of on-the-record access, producing an unprecedented inside glimpse of Trump 2.0.
- The reporting captures both a portrait of Wiles and how the current White House actually functions.
Eleven Interviews And On-Record Photos
- Whipple recounts 11 in-depth interviews plus visits and photos taken with Vanity Fair's photographer in the White House.
- He says everyone knew conversations were on the record and welcomed the photographer into the building.
Wiles' Personal Origin Story Shapes Her View
- Susie Wiles draws on her upbringing with Pat Summerall to say she has a 'PhD in difficult men' and understands alcoholic personalities.
- She applies that experience to describe Donald Trump as having an "alcoholic's personality," meaning grandiose and untethered to reality.