White House threatens Politico with 'consequences' if it doesn't retract Susie Wiles reporting

White House counsel William Scharf sent a letter to Politico global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger on Monday, demanding the outlet retract three articles about Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump's chief of staff. Scharf characterized the reporting as demonstrably false and defamatory and accused Politico of ignoring documentary evidence and direct refutations from senior officials.

The articles included claims that Trump was mulling Wiles' ouster and that he had a freakout when the story was published. Scharf wrote that the publications reveal 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.

In the letter, Scharf gave Politico 48 hours to issue retractions and a public apology to Trump and Wiles, warning that failure to do so would prompt a review of the outlet's relationship with the White House and the consideration of all other appropriate and available legal remedies.

Scharf further argued that freedom of the press is not a professional exemption from accountability and that the White House would not pretend that Politico's conduct was consistent with responsible journalism.

Politico corrects one article

Politico responded on Wednesday, stating it categorically rejects the false accusations that it chose to publish fanciful fiction and purposeful falsehoods designed to mislead the public. The outlet's attorney insisted that the publication strives for accuracy in its reporting and takes seriously assertions like those made in your letter.

Following its internal review, Politico determined it was appropriate to correct one of the three articles. The correction addressed a detail about Wiles' role in booking a Fox News appearance by former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia, noting that she offered positive reinforcement but did not play a direct role in booking the interview.

Politico did not retract the report that Trump was considering replacing Wiles or issue an apology to either Trump or Wiles. The outlet's attorney defended the decision, stating that promptly and transparently making corrections, as Politico has done here, is a hallmark of journalistic ethics and integrity.

The White House has been in conflict with Politico in recent weeks, as the outlet was among those banned by the administration last month. That ban was later reversed by a judge's ruling.

Legal and constitutional battle

Politico's response to the White House letter emphasized that any errors in its reporting would not excuse the administration's actions. The outlet stated that the White House's efforts to retaliate against it for its constitutionally protected journalism and to discriminate based on editorial viewpoint was a profound affront to the most fundamental constitutional rights.

Politico vowed to defend its journalism and the right of its reporters to pursue their mission and report fearlessly on the President and other White House officials for the benefit of the American public. The letter concluded that the outlet would not be intimidated by the White House's threats.

The White House has not yet responded to questions about the matter. The next step for the administration will be to determine whether to pursue the legal remedies it has threatened or to proceed with a review of its relationship with Politico.