White House Threatens Politico with 'Consequences' Over Reporting on Chief of Staff Susie Wiles

The White House has threatened Politico with "consequences" if the outlet does not retract its recent reporting concerning White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. In a letter addressed to Politico's global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger, White House counsel William Scharf alleged that three "demonstrably false and defamatory articles" were published about Wiles, including claims that President Donald Trump was considering her ouster and had a "freakout" over the initial story.

Scharf stated that the publications revealed "a disturbing pattern of the publication of sensational falsehoods despite direct, on-the-record refutations from senior White House officials and even the President of the United States himself, as well as documentary evidence provided to Politico." He argued that the outlet "chose to publish fanciful fiction" despite being presented with the truth and corroborating evidence.

The White House counsel gave Politico "48 hours" to retract the reporting and issue an apology to both Trump and Wiles. Scharf warned that failure to comply would lead to an "immediate review of Politico's relationship with the White House, and, of course, consideration of all other appropriate and available legal remedies."

Politico responded on Wednesday, asserting that it strives for accuracy and "categorically rejects the false accusations" of publishing "purposeful falsehoods." The outlet stated that it had re-examined the articles and determined it was appropriate to correct one of them. This correction noted that Wiles offered "positive reinforcement" for a former White House press secretary's appearance on Fox News, rather than playing a direct role in booking the interview.

Politico did not issue an apology to Trump or Wiles and did not correct the report about Trump considering a change in his chief of staff. The outlet's attorney wrote, "Promptly and transparently making corrections, as Politico has done here, is a hallmark of journalistic ethics and integrity." The attorney also pushed back against the White House's claims of lacking professionalism, stating that Politico "will defend its journalism and the right of its reporters to pursue their mission and report fearlessly."

This exchange follows a period where Politico was among several outlets temporarily banned by the White House, a decision later reversed by a judge. Politico's response emphasized that the White House's actions constituted "unconstitutional retaliation and discrimination against Politico's for the content of its news coverage" and were an "affront to the most fundamental constitutional rights."