WASHINGTON — President Trump moved Friday to end two days of speculation over whether he would replace White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, declaring there was “zero chance” she would be fired and saying she would remain in the administration “for a long time.”
Wiles was pronounced cancer-free last month after continuing to work through medical treatment. Trump often introduces her as the world’s most powerful woman and credits her with helping return him to the White House. Even so, her political future became the subject of intense Washington speculation this week.
Politico’s influential Playbook newsletter reported Thursday that Trump had been asking allies whom they considered suitable candidates to replace Wiles. The report triggered a surge of rumors and behind-the-scenes maneuvering as questions mounted over whether the chief of staff was losing influence.
Trump dismissed the report as “fake news” on Friday and said, “I could not be more happy with Susie.”
A close outside adviser to Trump told The Post, “I can tell when he is being genuine, and he really meant that.”
Wiles has received broad credit for bringing stability and unity to the West Wing after Trump’s first term was marked by constant personnel turmoil and speculation over which aide might be dismissed next.
Still, concerns about Wiles’ influence grew after Trump offered Katie Zacharia the press secretary’s job on the spot last Friday. Wiles knew Trump was pursuing Zacharia, but she did not participate in the interview and had not advocated for her appointment.
Zacharia was out of the job by Friday, having lasted fewer than five days after a shaky 14-minute press briefing Tuesday and a series of poorly received appearances on Fox News. Her abrupt departure also indirectly benefited Wiles, who was not responsible for the rushed hiring decision.
Wiles and other senior Trump allies have increasingly become the focus of White House intrigue, as insiders anticipate that Trump may look for someone to blame if Republicans perform poorly in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Trump is not expected to fault himself after traveling extensively across the country and attempting to overcome grim polling by mobilizing his base.
“Trump is getting restless and once [he] feels he is losing, he always takes control,” a former senior Trump aide told The Post shortly before the president reaffirmed his support for Wiles. “[If] Susie was smart she would leave and go make money without a DJT problem.”
Trump publicly vented last week after learning that Chris LaCivita and James Blair, two leaders of the MAGA Inc. super PAC, had left the US campaign to visit the pro-Russian Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a lucrative side venture.
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The trip created the impression that members of Trump’s political operation were distracted from his own electoral prospects. Should Republicans lose the midterms, Trump, his administration and his family are expected to face aggressive Democratic investigations that could potentially result in his third impeachment.
After reports disclosed the trip by LaCivita and Blair, additional accounts noted that Wiles’ daughter, Katie, had also recently traveled to the Bosnian territory.
LaCivita managed Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign with Wiles, while Blair served as her deputy in the West Wing until April. Blair described himself as Wiles’ “junkyard dog.”
Although LaCivita and Blair have long been close to Wiles, several insiders said their former alliance had fractured. Others portrayed an increasingly complicated blame game, with influential Trump aides working to protect their jobs and reputations ahead of potentially severe fallout from a Republican midterm defeat.
“All the infighting [is] so so great two weeks ahead of midterms,” one administration official exclaimed.
At the same time, speculation is growing over potential successors to Wiles. Names circulating include Bill Pulte, a federal housing official who frequently flies on Air Force One and recently served as acting intelligence director, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Longtime Wiles critics, including Corey Lewandowski, are also positioning themselves. The former campaign aide, who was forced out of the Department of Homeland Security alongside Kristi Noem, has been promoting Pulte, according to The Washington Post. Lewandowski has denied discussing the matter with Trump.
People inside and close to the White House said they believe the work of Wiles’ daughter could become fresh ammunition for allegations of corruption. That would be particularly damaging to Wiles, who had developed a reputation as an exception to accusations of self-dealing involving senior aides during Trump’s second term.
“Stephen Miller might feel it is finally his time and start really cutting at the ‘Susie’ squad,” an insider said.
Another said, however, that it’s possible Republicans will beat expectations, keeping losses low in the House and retaining the Senate, adding, “As long as she wants the job, I think she could have it.”
Some Republican sources argue that staff would not be blamed for an election wipeout, pointing to the effects of the longer-than-anticipated Iran war, which has spurred voter frustrations with higher energy prices, rising inflation and increased interest rates.
“Anyone with even a modicum of honest self reflection would admit that the driving force behind potential GOP midterm losses is the war in Iran,” said a source close to the White House.
“It split the president’s coalition, reminded swing voters that the administration wasn’t focusing on their domestic concerns and most importantly triggered a rise in gas prices. It’s ironic to me that so many of the voices in elite conservative media circles lamenting our current political predicament were also some of the biggest cheerleaders for bombing Iran.”
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