Vice President JD Vance publicly embraced being labeled a conspiracy theorist on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, while defending White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles after she made stunning revelations about him in a series of interviews with Vanity Fair.
Speaking at an event in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Vance addressed Wiles’ characterization of him as someone who has been “a conspiracy theorist for a decade.” Rather than pushing back against the assessment, the vice president acknowledged it with a grin.
“Sometimes I am a conspiracy theorist, but I only believe in the conspiracy theories that are true,” Vance told the crowd, which responded with cheers.
The remarks came in response to a feature article based on 11 interviews Wiles gave to Vanity Fair. In those conversations, the chief of staff offered candid assessments of key figures in the Trump administration, including the vice president.
Wiles also told Vanity Fair that Vance’s transformation from a Trump critic to a loyal supporter was politically motivated. The vice president had posed for photos included in the Vanity Fair feature, which showcased multiple administration officials.
“Susie Wiles, we have our disagreements. We agree on much more than we disagree, but I’ve never seen her be disloyal to the president of the United States,” Vance said. “And that makes her the best White House chief of staff the president could ask for.”
The vice president elaborated on his view of conspiracy theories, arguing that conspiracy theories become true before the media admits it, defending his willingness to embrace unconventional narratives.
Vance used the opportunity to criticize media organizations, calling for fewer mainstream media interviews from administration officials.
The Vanity Fair feature sparked immediate controversy within the White House, with Wiles herself pushing back against the article’s framing. She called the piece a hit piece on her and the administration in a rare public statement.
President Donald Trump also defended Wiles despite the article’s revelations. Trump said he did not read the article but praised his chief of staff. The president’s support came even as Wiles had told Vanity Fair that Trump has an alcoholic personality.
Trump admitted having a possessive addictive personality in response to Wiles’ characterization, agreeing with her assessment rather than disputing it. The president’s willingness to acknowledge this aspect of his personality marked a rare moment of public self-reflection.
The interviews featured other prominent administration figures beyond Vance and Wiles. Marco Rubio, Pam Bondi, and Kash Patel were among those discussed in the comprehensive profile. Dan Bongino and Elon Musk were also mentioned in connection with various administration initiatives.
The feature was compiled by Chris Whipple, who conducted the series of interviews over an extended period. Wiles had granted him extensive access to provide insights into the inner workings of the Trump White House.
Vance’s response to the conspiracy theorist label highlighted the complex dynamics within the administration. While acknowledging disagreements with Wiles, he emphasized their alignment on major issues and her unwavering loyalty to Trump.
The vice president’s appearance in Pennsylvania drew attention, though questions about the Vanity Fair article dominated coverage.
Joe Biden was referenced during Vance’s broader critique of political narratives and media coverage. The vice president used examples from recent political history to illustrate his point about conspiracy theories eventually proving accurate.
The controversy underscored tensions between the Trump administration and national media outlets like Vanity Fair and the New York Post. Administration officials moved quickly to manage fallout from the revelations, with multiple figures issuing statements in support of Wiles.
The episode marked one of the most significant internal communications challenges for the administration since Trump’s return to office. Despite the turmoil, both Trump and Vance made clear their continued confidence in Wiles’ leadership as chief of staff.