White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has ordered cabinet members to limit official travel ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections, according to sources familiar with the directive. The move is seen as an effort to focus the administration's resources on key battleground states and avoid distractions from internal disputes.
Wiles, who has been described by President Donald Trump as 'Susie Trump' for her influence, is known for her behind-the-scenes role. However, a recent Vanity Fair profile based on 11 interviews revealed her candid views on Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and tech billionaire Elon Musk, raising questions about her future in the administration.
In the article, Wiles reportedly called Trump 'an alcoholic's personality' and labelled Vance a 'conspiracy theorist' and Musk an 'odd duck'. She later claimed she was selectively quoted for a 'hit piece', but political strategist Rick Wilson argued she 'did this deliberately' to 'have a plea bargain with history'.
Wiles, a veteran political operative who worked for Ronald Reagan and co-chaired Trump's 2024 campaign, has a reputation for avoiding the spotlight. Former Jacksonville mayor John Peyton recalled her as 'shy' and 'extraordinarily witty' but private. Her recent remarks, however, have sparked speculation about her loyalty to Trump and her tenure as chief of staff.
