Trump reportedly freaks out over Wiles' exit report and makes calls after reading it
WASHINGTON, DC: A day after Politico reported that President Donald Trump is weighing whether to replace White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the outlet reported that the story set off a “freakout” when Trump read it.
The outlet had reported that Trump has been calling up friends and allies to inquire whether it's time for him to sack his longest-serving chief of staff and replace her with a fresh face atop the White House totem pole.
Trump freaked out after aide showed him Susie Wiles report
The outlet, citing two people familiar with the episode, reported on Friday, October 16, that Trump aide Natalie Harp printed a copy of Thursday’s 'Playbook' and gave it to the president.
Three people familiar with the matter described the reaction to the 'Playbook' report as a “freakout.” Trump reportedly “blew up” over another round of negative headlines about his chief of staff.
Wiles and her allies, meanwhile, were reportedly making calls around Washington to contain the fallout.
One person with direct knowledge said Trump then made more calls to allies about Wiles.
Among the names being floated as a possible replacement, Politico added, is Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton.
Trump’s reaction came a day after the outlet claimed that he has been weighing a range of potential successors, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Randy Levine, envoy Steve Witkoff, Bill Pulte and Kevin McCarthy.
Why Susie Wiles has come under scrutiny
Wiles has faced renewed scrutiny over people in her political circle doing business overseas, including her daughter Katie Wiles and longtime Trump advisers James Blair and Chris LaCivita.
Katie Wiles is a partner at Continental Strategy, which signed a $35,000-a-month contract linked to Republika Srpska, the semi-autonomous Bosnian Serb entity.
The firm has said Katie Wiles did not lobby US officials on its behalf.
“The White House is in a state of panic. Susie is looking over her shoulder, trying to solicit people to go out and say good things about her and her team and make it seem like everything is fine. It’s not,” one person close to Trump told 'Playbook'.
Trump denies thinking of replacing Wiles
Trump denied reports on Thursday that he is looking to replace Wiles or that she is on thin ice.
“TOTAL FAKE NEWS Politico doesn’t care about facts, integrity, or honest journalism — it’s why I kicked them out of the White House!” Trump said in response to Politico.
"Susie Wiles is my loyal and longest-serving Chief of Staff — there is a reason for that. She has been with me since the beginning, is my trusted advisor, and has my COMPLETE confidence," he added.
"What an unbelievably stupid and false claim from yet another anonymous 'source,'" a White House spokesperson told Politico.
