A Vanity Fair profile has stirred controversy by revealing sharp internal tensions within President Trump’s inner circle, after White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles delivered blunt criticisms of both Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance. Published amid heated policy disputes, the interview depicts an administration marked by clashing personalities and strained alliances as it pursues aggressive reforms, triggering backlash and debate across the political spectrum.

Wiles was particularly scathing about Musk, describing him as an “avowed” ketamine user and a lone operator whose erratic behavior on X led her to suggest he might be microdosing. She said she was stunned by his actions at the Department of Government Efficiency, including cuts to USAID programs that Trump supported, even though the two had recently reconciled after a public dispute. Her remarks echoed earlier reports about Musk’s alleged drug use, claims he has previously dismissed, and highlighted how his influence has complicated relationships within the administration.

She was equally dismissive of Vance, questioning his rapid shift from Trump critic to loyal vice president and labeling him a “conspiracy theorist” in reference to his past views. Vance brushed off the criticism during a campaign stop, maintaining that his working relationship with Trump remains solid, particularly on major economic issues. The exchange reflects lingering skepticism about Vance’s ideological transformation, even as he plays a central role in shaping policy.

The fallout prompted swift defense from the White House, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praising Wiles as Trump’s most trusted adviser, while Wiles herself dismissed the profile as a “hit job.” The article also included her barbs aimed at other senior figures, underscoring the fragile balance between loyalty, internal rivalry, and governance. With elections on the horizon, the episode has exposed fractures that could significantly influence the future dynamics of Trump’s administration.