Former President Donald Trump reportedly “exploded” after reviewing a dossier on Cliff Sims, a campaign aide and key figure in his transition team, according to Politico. Sims, who previously authored a tell-all book portraying the Trump White House as a “Team of Vipers,” has sparked controversy among Trump’s inner circle, raising questions about his loyalty and suitability for a role in the next administration.
Sims: From Tell-All Author to Transition Insider
Sims, whose 2019 memoir detailed the cutthroat dynamics of Trump’s first term, is now closely tied to transition co-chair Howard Lutnick. His return to Trump’s orbit has reportedly unsettled some MAGA insiders, who view his inclusion as contradictory given his past criticisms of the administration.
“The last time Cliff Sims was this close to presidential power, he coined an indelible phrase for the cutthroat coterie around Donald Trump — it was a ‘Team of Vipers,’ as he titled his 2019 tell-all,” the report states. “Now a key member of the Trump transition, Sims is showing that he knows his way around the old snake pit.”
In recent weeks, frustration over leaks from the transition team has led to a whisper campaign at Mar-a-Lago targeting Sims. Some insiders have questioned why someone who publicly aired the administration’s internal conflicts is now in a position of influence.
Trump’s Fiery Reaction
Trump’s anger reportedly boiled over when an aide placed a dossier of media clips about Sims and his book on his desk. The former president, according to Politico, was “beyond pissed” and demanded Sims’ removal.
“Trump barely recognized Sims,” the report notes, citing two anonymous Republican sources. “After an aide put a folder of clips about Sims and his book on Trump’s desk, he exploded. Trump was ‘beyond pissed’… and demanded he be removed.” Despite Trump’s reaction, Sims remains in his role as of now and could be in line for a prominent post in the new administration.
Divided Opinions
While allies like J.D. Vance have come to Sims’ defense, the controversy has left others uneasy about his potential role. Sims’ history as a self-proclaimed whistleblower on Trump’s inner workings continues to cast a shadow over his return to presidential power, with some questioning whether his inclusion is worth the internal discord it has already sparked.
As Trump’s team prepares for the upcoming administration, the debate over Sims highlights ongoing tensions within the MAGA movement and the challenges of reconciling loyalty with practical governance.