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Wiles: Trump 'Doesn't Know the First Thing' About Governing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. oesn-t-know-the-first-thing-about-governing.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 22:07 GMT by The Raw Story
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 11th, 2026 - Susie Wiles, a veteran political strategist who played a pivotal role in Donald Trump's 2016 presidential victory and later served as a senior advisor in the White House, delivered a remarkably blunt assessment of the former president's capabilities and the current state of his campaign during a CNN interview on Sunday. Wiles' statements, widely circulated and sparking renewed debate, paint a picture of a leader driven by impulse, reliant on echo chambers, and ultimately unqualified to govern effectively.

Speaking with Jake Tapper, Wiles did not mince words, stating plainly, "He doesn't know the first thing about governing." This assertion, coming from someone so deeply embedded in Trump's initial ascent to power, carries significant weight. Wiles elaborated, explaining that Trump appears to actively seek out affirmation rather than informed counsel. "I think he relies on people to tell him what he wants to hear. He's not inclined to listen to anyone who's got a different opinion. And you've seen that throughout his career," she added. This pattern of behavior, according to Wiles, was apparent both during the campaign and within the White House walls.

Beyond questioning Trump's aptitude for leadership, Wiles launched a stinging critique of the personnel currently managing his 2026 campaign. Describing the operation as a "clown show," she expressed deep concern about the lack of experience and qualifications among key staff. "They're not qualified. They're inexperienced, and they're doing what they think is right, but they're not equipped to do it," Wiles stated. This assessment comes as Trump is actively seeking the Republican nomination, and as polls show a surprisingly resilient level of support for him among a significant segment of the party base. Experts note that Wiles' comments could damage Trump's appeal to moderate Republicans and independents who might be swayed by concerns about competence and stability.

While acknowledging Trump's undeniable talent for connecting with voters and energizing rallies - "He's a great performer," she conceded, "He can command a crowd" - Wiles firmly drew a distinction between charismatic performance and the demanding realities of governing. She argued that captivating an audience is fundamentally different from navigating complex policy challenges, managing a vast bureaucracy, and responding to national and international crises. "But that's not the same as being able to govern. And I don't see that happening," she concluded.

The implications of Wiles' candor extend beyond a simple critique of Trump's personal skills. Her statements raise serious questions about the decision-making processes within a potential second Trump administration. If, as she suggests, Trump primarily surrounds himself with those who reinforce his existing beliefs, the potential for ill-considered policies and a lack of pragmatic solutions is substantial. Political analysts are already examining whether this assessment will resonate with voters and impact the trajectory of the 2026 election cycle.

Several commentators have pointed to instances during Trump's first term that seemed to support Wiles' claims. The abrupt dismissal of experienced advisors, the frequent reliance on gut feelings over data-driven analysis, and the often-chaotic handling of sensitive negotiations are frequently cited as examples of a leadership style characterized by impulsivity and a resistance to dissenting viewpoints. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has been scrutinized, with critics arguing that Trump's downplaying of the virus and his promotion of unproven remedies were fueled by a desire to maintain a positive public image rather than a genuine concern for public health.

Furthermore, the recent legal challenges Trump faces are adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape. While he maintains his innocence, the ongoing investigations and potential indictments could further erode public trust and raise questions about his fitness for office.

Wiles' willingness to speak out against a former boss is a rare occurrence in the often-insular world of political consulting. It suggests a deep-seated concern about the direction of the country and a belief that the public deserves a candid assessment of Trump's capabilities. Whether her comments will have a lasting impact on the 2026 election remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly injected a dose of reality into a campaign season already brimming with rhetoric and speculation.