Trump names campaign spokespeople to top White House communications roles

President-elect Donald Trump on Friday appointed two of his campaign spokespeople to top communications positions in his incoming administration. Steven Cheung, who served as the campaign’s spokesman, was named White House communications director. Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for Trump’s campaign, will take on the role of White House press secretary.

The roles of communications director and press secretary are distinct, though they have been held simultaneously by individuals in the past. Cheung, who will also serve as assistant to the president, has a reputation as a vigorous defender of Trump and a behind-the-scenes strategist. During Trump’s first term, Cheung worked as the director of strategic response, playing a key role in handling communications during several high-profile incidents. While Cheung is active on social media, where he defends Trump vocally, his main focus in his new position will be overseeing the administration’s communications strategy.

Cheung’s appointment comes after a period of considerable turnover in the communications director role during Trump’s first term. The position saw six different individuals, including Anthony Scaramucci, who famously lasted only 11 days, and Stephanie Grisham, who later distanced herself from the administration. The high turnover in this position had been a notable feature of Trump’s first term.

Before joining Trump’s campaign, Cheung was a spokesman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), an organization with strong ties to the president. Trump is a frequent UFC spectator and has a close relationship with UFC President Dana White, who spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Cheung’s experience with the UFC will likely inform his approach to managing communications in the White House, particularly given the president’s penchant for combative media interactions.

Leavitt, who will serve as press secretary, has worked with Trump since his 2020 campaign and previously served as an assistant press secretary in Trump’s first term. Her transition to the role of press secretary comes at a time when the position has been marked by significant turnover. Over the course of Trump’s first term, the press secretary position was held by several individuals, including Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Scaramucci, Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany. Leavitt’s appointment signals Trump’s intent to maintain continuity in his communications team, although the press secretary role is often one of the most challenging in any administration.

Leavitt is no stranger to the White House communications landscape, having worked in the Trump administration before. She played a significant role in defending Trump on the campaign trail, especially during contentious moments. Most recently, she has served as the spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition team, where she worked on announcing key staff and Cabinet picks for the incoming administration.

In addition to her campaign work, Leavitt has a background in Congressional communications, having served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally. In 2022, Leavitt ran for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District but lost to incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas in the general election after securing the GOP nomination in a crowded primary.

In a statement on Friday, Trump praised Leavitt’s abilities, saying, “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American people as we, Make America Great Again.” Leavitt expressed gratitude for the opportunity, posting on social media, “Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored. Let’s MAGA!”

Trump’s team also announced that Sergio Gor, a long-time Trump ally, will serve as assistant to the president and director of presidential personnel. Gor’s appointment as the director of presidential personnel had been previously reported. In his new role, Gor will oversee the selection and management of key personnel appointments throughout the administration. Trump highlighted Gor’s loyalty and dedication to the “America First” agenda, saying, “Steven Cheung and Sergio Gor have been trusted advisors since my first presidential campaign in 2016, and have continued to champion America First principles throughout my first term, all the way to our historic victory in 2024.”

The appointments of Cheung, Leavitt, and Gor reflect Trump’s continued reliance on trusted figures from his campaign to help shape his administration’s communications and personnel strategy. As the transition to the White House ramps up, these appointments are likely to play a central role in managing the incoming administration’s messaging and public-facing operations.

The Trump team’s early moves suggest a focus on continuity and loyalty, with several key figures from the 2020 campaign being tapped for important roles in the new administration. However, given the highly polarized political climate, the effectiveness of these individuals in their new positions will likely be tested quickly, particularly as the president-elect prepares for his second term in office.