A power struggle is intensifying within President Donald Trump’s White House as midterm elections approach, with internal divisions and jockeying for positions becoming more visible among senior aides. According to interviews with multiple White House staffers and advisers, tensions have escalated amid expectations of widespread Republican losses, reminiscent of the factional battles seen during Trump’s first term.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles remains in her role but has not indicated any plans to leave. Nonetheless, several aides, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, top housing official Bill Pulte, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, are positioning themselves as potential successors should the chief of staff post open. Such speculation has gained momentum following President Trump’s recent decision to recruit Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary without consulting Wiles, an action that was viewed internally as undermining Wiles’s authority and signaling instability at the center of the West Wing.
Sources describe the atmosphere in the White House as increasingly chaotic, with some likening recent days to a "new Wild Wild West." Longtime observers draw parallels to the fractious nature of Trump’s first term, when rival factions and family members competed openly for influence, disrupting cohesion. Until now, the current administration had largely avoided such overt infighting.
President Trump has expressed frustration to close aides about a perceived lack of public defense ahead of the November midterms. His approval ratings remain low amid concerns over the economy and inflation, presenting significant challenges for Republican candidates. Trump has ramped up his campaign schedule with a series of rallies aiming to energize the party’s base, while also maintaining direct contact with friends, White House staff, and external advisers. This outreach includes discussions with former aide Corey Lewandowski, who reportedly supports Bill Pulte’s bid for chief of staff, although Lewandowski denied talks regarding that position.
White House spokesperson Danielle Alvarez dismissed reports of discord as “selfish, opportunistic behavior” from anonymous sources, describing the team as “strong, talented and united” in pursuit of Trump’s America First agenda.
Republican internal polling indicates a decline in voter support after the party’s recent convention in Dallas, with many constituents feeling their economic concerns are overlooked. Trump’s focus through September was divided between hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping and attending to personal business ventures, including plans for a White House helipad and a ballroom.
While public statements maintain confidence, many within Trump’s circle anticipate losses in the House of Representatives, with uncertainty surrounding the Senate’s control. States typically favorable to Republicans, such as Kansas and Texas, have become competitive battlegrounds.
Wiles’s continued tenure is a subject of speculation, with some allies suggesting that a significant Republican defeat could trigger leadership changes. Bill Pulte, one of the most vocal contenders, reportedly uses visual aids like poster boards to present ideas directly to the president, though these tactics have tested Trump’s patience.
Wiles, credited with managing Trump’s 2024 campaign and coordinating early administration actions, has sought to influence policy debates on tariffs and artificial intelligence regulation, areas tied to the administration’s political challenges.
Complicating internal dynamics, two senior campaign strategists close to Wiles—James Blair and Chris LaCivita—have drawn scrutiny for their consulting work with the pro-Russian government of Republika Srpska in Bosnia. Trump publicly distanced himself from the pair, threatening dismissal if their outside activities conflicted with administration interests. The situation was further complicated by the involvement of Wiles’s daughter, Katie Wiles, affiliated with a lobbying firm representing Republika Srpska, fueling suspicions among critics.
Despite these controversies, Blair and LaCivita remain integral to Trump’s midterm strategy, though insiders suggest their influence may have diminished following the backlash. The unfolding personnel struggles underscore increasing uncertainty within the White House as it navigates the final weeks before the crucial elections.