President Trump said news stories suggesting he’ll oust White House chief of staff Susie Wiles are false.
Mr. Trump told reporters Saturday at the White House that a Politico report claiming Ms. Wiles is on her way out is a “fake story” and that she “has been incredible,” “smart” and “tough.”
Reports swirled in Politico and other outlets that Ms. Wiles, nicknamed “Ice Maiden” by the president, may leave her position after the midterm elections due to tensions within the administration.
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Other top Trump aides are jockeying for her role, including deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, news reports claimed.
Ms. Wiles batted down the rumors and told reporters, “To be crystal clear, I am not going anywhere.”
Ms. Wiles, 69, recently completed treatment for breast cancer.
Mr. Trump told reporters that Ms. Wiles will remain in her role until he finishes his second term.
“Susie is here, and she’s going to be here for a long time,” the president said.
Some news reports have tied Ms. Wiles to the recent ouster of former press secretary Katie Zacharia, who was “transitioned” from the job after just four days and a disastrous press briefing.
Mr. Trump, 80, once explained Ms. Wiles’ nickname, telling a crowd of lawmakers last year that “she’s very nice until she decides not to be, then she’s brutal.”
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