Overview
- Wiles, the White House chief of staff, sat for extensive on-the-record interviews with Vanity Fair’s Chris Whipple published beginning Dec. 16.
- In summaries of the interviews, Bruni notes she described Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality” and labeled Vice President JD Vance “a conspiracy theorist.”
- Bruni argues her candor reflects a desire for recognition and influence rather than quiet stewardship.
- He contrasts her low-key style with figures like Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, Kristi Noem, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he portrays as showy or lacking credentials.
- The column questions why, if she perceives dysfunction, she remains in a role that he says helps sustain it.