In a stunning revelation that directly contradicts repeated public statements from the US President, a top White House official has confirmed that Donald Trump's name appears in the records related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Chief of Staff Contradicts President's "Hoax" Claim
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, in an interview published on Tuesday by Vanity Fair magazine, stated unequivocally that the President is referenced in the controversial files. "We know he's in the file," Wiles said, directly challenging Trump's persistent description of the records as a "hoax." She elaborated on their past association, noting that Trump "was on (Epstein's) plane, … he's on the manifest," and characterized the two men during that period as "sort of young, single playboys together."
Internal Criticism and Political Fallout
Wiles did not limit her candid remarks to the Epstein issue. She also took aim at Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the documents, asserting, "There is no client list, and it sure as hell wasn't on her desk." Her comments ignited an immediate political firestorm. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) swiftly seized on the admission. DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released a statement accusing Trump of misleading the public and declared that "even Donald Trump's chief of staff can't shield him from his Epstein nightmare." The statement emphasized growing pressure for full transparency and accountability regarding the files.
Further exposing internal tensions, Wiles offered blunt character assessments of the President and his circle. She suggested Trump has used the presidency for "score settling" and described him as having an "alcoholic's personality." Her critiques extended to key allies:
- Vice President JD Vance was labeled a "conspiracy theorist."
- Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought was called a "right-wing absolute zealot."
- Tech billionaire Elon Musk was described as an "avowed ketamine" user.
On policy, Wiles conceded that the economic impact of Trump's signature tariffs had been "more painful than I expected." Despite the harsh criticisms, Trump himself praised Wiles just last week, calling her "the great chief of staff" and "the greatest."
A Deepening Controversy
The interview has dramatically intensified scrutiny on the President's past connections and the administration's handling of the Epstein case. Wiles's confirmation that Trump is named in the files, coming from one of his most senior aides, undermines the official narrative and fuels demands from opponents and the public for the complete release of all related documents. This episode highlights significant internal discord and presents a major communications challenge for the White House as it navigates this sensitive and politically damaging controversy.
