Donald Trump’s inner circle faced growing tensions as aides reportedly competed for power ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Uncertainty surrounding Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ future has fueled speculation about who could take her place.
Several senior officials reportedly positioned themselves for the influential role as Republicans braced for potential electoral losses. Meanwhile, Trump’s frustration with his political team added another layer of uncertainty inside the West Wing.
Susie Wiles’ uncertain future reportedly fuels competition among Donald Trump’s senior White House aides
According to The Washington Post, interviews with 20 staffers, advisers and people close to Trump revealed increasingly open clashes. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, housing official Bill Pulte and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin reportedly emerged as potential contenders for Wiles’ position. Wiles had not indicated that she planned to leave.
However, speculation intensified as aides anticipated a difficult November for Republicans. One Trump ally described the atmosphere as “the new Wild Wild West.”
Tensions reportedly escalated after Trump approached Katie Zacharia about becoming White House press secretary. He did so without consulting Wiles, according to four people familiar with the decision. Some officials viewed the move as a sign that her influence had weakened. Trump also complained to allies that people weren’t defending him publicly enough, according to the report. With the midterms approaching, he increased his campaign rallies amid low approval ratings and voter frustration over high prices.
Republican strategists feared losing the House, while the Senate race appeared uncertain. Internal polling reportedly showed declining support after the party’s midterm convention in Dallas. Kansas and Texas, traditionally Republican strongholds, had also become competitive.
Pulte reportedly made an unusual effort to impress Trump by carrying poster boards filled with policy proposals. He brought them onto golf courses and presidential aircraft. However, officials said Trump complained that the displays had begun cluttering the White House residence.
Wiles also faced scrutiny over political consulting work by Trump allies James Blair and Chris LaCivita in Republika Srpska. Trump publicly distanced himself from the pair and threatened to fire them if their work created conflicts of interest. A photograph of Wiles’ daughter visiting the territory further intensified scrutiny because her lobbying firm represented its government.
White House spokesperson Danielle Alvarez rejected the reports of division. She called the anonymous accounts “the same selfish, opportunistic behavior” and insisted Trump had assembled a “strong, talented and united team.”
