Trump Under Fire as Former Chief of Staff Cooperates With Federal Investigators

Susie Wiles Breaks Ranks, Raises Serious Legal Stakes

President Donald Trump is facing escalating scrutiny after comments from his former White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, and reports that she is now cooperating with federal investigators.

In recent interviews with Vanity Fair, Wiles—once described by Trump as “part of the family”—offered unusually candid assessments of the president. She acknowledged that while Trump may not wake up planning retribution, “when there’s an opportunity, he will go for it,” and described him as having an “alcoholic personality” despite not drinking—suggesting impulsivity, grandiosity, and a belief that limits do not apply to him.

Those remarks alone raised eyebrows. What followed raised alarms.

Cooperation With DOJ Investigators

According to multiple reports, Wiles resigned on February 2, 2026, citing irreconcilable ethical differences, and soon after met with investigators from the Department of Justice Inspector General’s office. She is now reportedly providing documents, testimony, and internal knowledge related to potential corruption and ethics violations inside the Trump administration.

As chief of staff for more than a year, Wiles controlled access to the president, participated in nearly every major decision, and had visibility into internal discussions rarely seen by outsiders—making her an exceptionally valuable witness.

Focus of the Federal Investigation

Investigators are reportedly examining several major areas:

• Alleged bribery involving immigration enforcement: A senior Trump immigration official is accused of accepting $50,000 in exchange for influence over ICE-related contracts. Sources indicate Wiles flagged concerns internally before her resignation, only to see the matter shut down.

• Interference in federal investigations: The probe is reviewing instances where investigations were allegedly slowed, dropped, or reversed without clear justification.

• Handling of Epstein-related files: Questions remain over what information was released, redacted, or withheld, and whether political considerations influenced those decisions.

Wiles has reportedly been granted immunity, a step typically taken when prosecutors believe a witness has critical information that outweighs the value of potential charges against them.

A Growing Pattern Inside Trump’s Inner Circle

Wiles is now reportedly the eighth senior Trump official to cooperate with federal investigators after leaving the administration. That pattern is significant. Prosecutors often view cascading cooperation as a sign that internal defenses are weakening and that key witnesses are prioritizing legal protection over loyalty.

Legal experts note that testimony from a former chief of staff can directly undermine claims that a president was unaware of misconduct, especially when paired with internal documents and corroborating witnesses.

Why This Matters

This development represents more than a personnel dispute. It suggests:

• Trump’s inner circle is fracturing at a critical moment

• Federal investigators now have insight into decision-making at the highest level

• Potential corruption and obstruction concerns are no longer speculative

Combined with declining approval ratings, donor hesitation, and mounting legal challenges, Wiles’ cooperation adds to a growing sense that Trump’s political and legal position is becoming increasingly fragile.

Bottom Line

When a president’s most trusted gatekeeper walks away—and then assists federal investigators—the implications are profound. Susie Wiles’ cooperation may prove to be a turning point, not just for ongoing investigations, but for how the Trump presidency is ultimately judged.