US President Donald Trump has publicly agreed with a striking remark made by his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, that he possesses what she described as an “alcoholic’s personality,” reframing the comment as a reflection of his intense focus, drive, and single-minded pursuit of goals rather than a flaw.

Speaking to the New York Post on Tuesday, Trump, a longtime teetotaler, said he had often described himself in similar terms. “I’ve said that many times about myself,” he remarked, suggesting that his personality is highly driven and potentially addictive in nature — traits he believes fuel his work ethic rather than undermine it.

“I’m fortunate I’m not a drinker,” Trump said, adding that if he were, such a personality could have led to problems. He described himself as having an “addictive type personality,” emphasizing his tendency to become fully immersed in objectives once he sets his mind to them.

Wiles’s original comment appeared in a series of candid interviews with Vanity Fair, where she described Trump as someone who believes “there’s nothing he can’t do.” While acknowledging that her phrasing could be controversial, she framed it as an explanation for his exaggerated confidence, resilience, and relentless energy.

Wiles, who holds cabinet rank and is considered one of the most influential figures in the Trump administration, did not dispute the accuracy of the quotes attributed to her. However, she later criticized the coverage, saying it presented “an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative” and omitted broader context about the president and his team.

It is unusual for a sitting White House chief of staff to speak so openly on the record about a president’s personality and internal dynamics. As the official closest to Trump in administrative terms, Wiles has a unique vantage point into the inner workings of the administration, making her comments particularly noteworthy.

Trump’s endorsement of Wiles’s remarks was widely seen as a show of confidence in her leadership, especially given his history of frequent turnover in the role during his first term, when four chiefs of staff cycled through the position. Senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, also publicly defended Wiles.

In the same interviews, Wiles made several other blunt observations about senior figures in the administration. She referred to Vance as a “conspiracy theorist,” a label he dismissed with humor, saying the two have joked about it repeatedly. “I only believe in the conspiracy theories that are true,” Vance quipped.

Wiles also commented on the handling of sensitive files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While praising FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino for understanding the issue’s political importance among Trump’s supporters, she criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s approach, saying she had mishandled the matter. Bondi later issued a statement strongly defending Wiles’s loyalty and effectiveness.

Additionally, Wiles contradicted Trump’s claim that former President Bill Clinton had visited Epstein’s private island, stating plainly that Trump was mistaken. While Clinton has acknowledged limited interactions with Epstein, no evidence links him to criminal wrongdoing.

Together, the remarks have offered a rare and revealing glimpse into the personalities, tensions, and dynamics shaping Trump’s current administration — with Trump himself embracing a controversial characterization as a badge of intensity rather than a liability.