US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed comments made by his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, who suggested he possesses an "alcoholic's personality," even as he launched a sharp critique against the publication that reported her remarks. The former president, a known teetotaler, explained his perspective in an exclusive interview with the New York Post.
Trump's Take on the 'Addictive Personality' Claim
In his conversation with the New York Post, Trump clarified Wiles' statement, which was originally part of an interview she gave to Vanity Fair. Trump confirmed he does not drink alcohol, a personal choice he has often attributed to the alcohol-related death of his older brother, Fred. However, he agreed with the characterization of his temperament.
"No, she meant that I’m — you see, I don’t drink alcohol. So everybody knows that — but I’ve often said that if I did, I’d have a very good chance of being an alcoholic," Trump stated. He further described himself as having a "very possessive and addictive type personality," a point he claims to have made many times before.
Wiles' Comments and the Fallout with Vanity Fair
Susie Wiles, who spoke with Vanity Fair author Chris Whipple on 11 occasions over the past year, discussed the personalities of high-functioning individuals. She described herself as "a little bit of an expert in big personalities." Her interview also included a pointed remark about Vice President JD Vance, whom she labelled "a conspiracy theorist for a decade."
While Trump praised Wiles, calling her "fantastic," he did not hold back in his criticism of the media outlet and the interviewer. "I think from what I hear, the facts were wrong, and it was a very misguided interviewer, purposely misguided," Trump told the NY Post. He accused Whipple of deceiving Wiles and claimed Vanity Fair has "lost its way" and its readership.
JD Vance's Reaction to 'Conspiracy Theorist' Label
Vice President JD Vance responded to Wiles' characterization with a mix of humour and defiance. Speaking to reporters in Pennsylvania, Vance said, "Sometimes I am a conspiracy theorist," but added a crucial caveat: "But I only believe in the conspiracy theories that are true."
He revealed that he and Wiles have joked about this topic both privately and publicly. Vance then pivoted to criticise President Joe Biden, framing his own past suspicions as validated concerns. "I believed in this crazy conspiracy theory that the media and the government were covering up the fact that Joe Biden was clearly unable to do the job," Vance stated, as per the NY Post report.
The episode highlights the tight-knit dynamic within Trump's inner circle, where candid assessments are defended publicly, even as the team presents a united front against external media criticism.
