Trump Chief of Staff Calls President 'Alcoholic,' Targets Elon Musk

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has sparked controversy following remarks made in a recent Vanity Fair interview in which she described US President Donald Trump as having “an alcoholic personality” and referred to Elon Musk as an “avowed drug user.”

Wiles made the comments while discussing leadership styles and internal dynamics within the Trump administration.

Although Trump is a known teetotaler, Wiles said his behaviour reflects traits she associates with an “alcoholic’s personality,” including intensity, fixation, and an all-consuming approach to work.

Trump later responded publicly, saying he did not object to the description and has previously acknowledged that if he drank alcohol, he would likely have an addictive personality.

• Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles calls president an ‘alcoholic personality’ in interview
• Wiles targets Elon Musk over drug use comments, sparking political controversy
• White House pushes back after blunt remarks expose internal tensions

The comments regarding Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, focused on his brief involvement in a government efficiency initiative. Wiles criticised his conduct during that period and described him as an “avowed drug user,” referencing Musk’s past public statements and media reports about substance use. The remarks have renewed scrutiny of Musk’s interactions with political leadership and his involvement in government-linked projects.

In the same interview, Susie Wiles also commented on other senior officials. She described Vice President J.D. Vance as a “conspiracy theorist” and questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The statements have raised questions about internal disagreements within the White House.

Following publication, Wiles rejected suggestions that her remarks indicated internal discord. In a social media post, she said the interview was presented in a misleading manner and that her comments were taken out of context. The White House issued statements backing Wiles, emphasising her role in managing operations and maintaining coordination across departments.

Also Read: China Presses Japan to Retract Taiwan Remarks, Tensions Remain High

The remarks have triggered debate in US politics, with critics calling them unusually direct for a sitting White House chief of staff, while others say they reflect internal candour rather than conflict.