This week, the MAGA narrative faced significant challenges, highlighting failures within the Trump team in managing their core narrative.
UPDATE: As of December 17, 5:45 PM, Dan Bongino has announced his resignation from the FBI. Further details are available at the end of this article.
According to a recent article by Politico, the Trump administration is contending with numerous unfavorable headlines: rising unemployment rates, dwindling approval ratings for Trump, alarming election losses, and worries about a potentially disastrous midterm election, alongside growing concerns regarding a land war in Venezuela.
The recent Wiles interview in Vanity Fair contributes to the perception that events are controlling Trump, rather than the other way around. In recent weeks, the White House has faced a string of setbacks, including Congress pushing to release the Epstein files and courts dismissing cases against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey.
Let’s start at the top of the leadership structure.
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Rob Reiner
As discussed by Aaron Mate with Judge Napolitano, President Trump suggested that the late Rob Reiner suffered from what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and had connections to the CIA. However, the moment was inauspicious for such comments, particularly given the timing of Reiner’s passing:
This crude commentary faced backlash from various factions, including some on the Hollywood right, and from both MAGA and RINO Republicans alike. It is worth noting that Trump tends to adhere to rule number one in media relations: never apologize or back down.
When pressed during a press conference about his comments, Trump stated:
“I wasn’t a fan of his at all. As far as I’m concerned, he was deranged. He was a proponent of the Russia hoax and I believe he harmed his own career.”
Had it not been for the recent high-profile controversies involving Trump’s Chief of Staff and FBI Director, the Reiner incident might have been dismissed as mere gossip. However, it’s evident that Trump is struggling to assemble an effective team, as has often been the case.
Susie Wiles’ Vanity Fair Interview
Vanity Fair remains influential in American media circles, and Wiles’ decision to participate in an extensive interview has sparked significant controversy. This particular Vanity Fair feature has derailed many political aspirations in the past:
Who looked at this photo and said yeah, let’s do it again! pic.twitter.com/kpb1jiqsa9
— Saagar Enjeti (@esaagar) December 16, 2025
In this recent Vanity Fair interview, Susie Wiles, at 68 the Chief of Staff to Trump, unwisely participated in numerous interviews spanning several months. Her initial response was:
The article published this morning is a disingenuous hit piece on me, our esteemed President, and the dedicated White House staff.
Her frustration may stem from how Vanity Fair boasted about securing candid comments from her:
“Most senior White House officials carefully choose their words and often speak off the record, but Susie Wiles responded to almost every question on the record,” reported Chris Whipple of Vanity Fair.
Additionally, Wiles dropped several bombshells about topics including Trump’s temperament and legislative strategy, showcasing her confidence, if not caution. Her comments about “vindictive prosecutions” and the tumultuous relationships within the administration have raised eyebrows.
The article ignited considerable social media discourse, leading to various interpretations and criticisms regarding its content, as exhibited by several analyses and critiques from various news outlets.
No one in Trump’s camp openly acknowledged that Wiles’ choice to disclose such sensitive information might represent a tactical blunder, even as others privately expressed concern over the ramifications of the interview.
Some insiders suggested that the Vanity Fair piece reflects a broader lack of discipline within the White House during a critical time.
So, while the messaging challenges faced by MAGA may not be fracturing the team entirely, there are indications of discord squirming under the surface.
Kash Patel and Dan Bongino in the Spotlight
Meanwhile, issues are arising independently for Trump’s FBI team, specifically Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, drawing scrutiny for their recent actions.
An article from the New York Times portrays Patel as a self-promotional FBI Director whose actions have led to serious questions regarding his competence:
Questions surrounding Patel’s handling of sensitive matters have intensified, raising doubts about his long-term position within the administration.
Simultaneously, Bongino, a loyal Trump supporter and outspoken commentator, appears to be facing challenges within the organization:
His popularity and approach have led to whispers about his possible departure from the FBI.
Most notably, the nature of a recent interview he participated in with Patel was criticized widely, pushing the narrative that both the FBI’s focus and priorities under his leadership could be misaligned with public expectations.
Ultimately, both Patel and Bongino find themselves at a crossroads, as controversies swirl around their leadership and decisions. With ongoing scrutiny and internal challenges looming, their futures within the Trump administration appear uncertain.
As the MAGA movement navigates these turbulent waters, observers will be keenly watching for what unfolds next.
UPDATE: Dan Bongino has officially stepped down:
I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I thank President Trump and AG Bondi for this opportunity, and I extend my gratitude to my fellow Americans for the privilege to serve you. God bless America.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) December 17, 2025
