Shake-Up or Fake News?
Politico reported President Trump was asking allies about replacing Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. He says there's 'zero chance.' Meanwhile, his new press secretary is out after about a week.
By Rachel Dunmore, Washington Correspondent
Published · 2 min read
The Overview
The facts, straight
Politico Playbook (@politico) reported Oct. 15 that President Trump (@realDonaldTrump) had been "soliciting allies' views of Wiles and musing about replacements for his top aide, according to four people with direct knowledge of the conversations," Politico wrote.
Trump denied it. "TOTAL FAKE NEWS," he said in a statement to Playbook. "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." On Friday, asked whether he was considering replacing Wiles (@SusieWiles), he told reporters, "Zero chance," in a gaggle posted by the White House. "She's smart. She's tough," he said.
The change that did happen was at the podium. A White House official confirmed to the Washington Examiner that press secretary Katie Zacharia (@KatieZacharia) would be transitioning out of the role, about a week after she started. Trump had said at the same gaggle that he would "let her make that decision."
What the Left Says
The progressive and Democratic case
Critics say four sources are four sources, and a denial is not a rebuttal. A press secretary leaving after about a week, they argue, shows a White House in turmoil heading into the midterms.
Where Reality Likely Sits
Radio Purple's analysis
Both things are on the record: an anonymously sourced report, and a firm, public denial from the president. Until something changes, Wiles is chief of staff. The press secretary change is the confirmed news.
Who do you believe: the four sources or the president?
What the Right Says
The conservative and Republican case
Supporters say Politico got it wrong and the president said so plainly, on the record, twice. Wiles has his "COMPLETE confidence," and personnel changes at the podium are routine in any administration.
