In a significant move ahead of his upcoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Steven Cheung as the new White House communications director. This appointment elevates Cheung, who has previously served as a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, into one of the most critical communication roles within the White House. The transition team has publicly embraced Cheung’s capabilities—he has already proven himself to be a reliable part of Trump’s inner circle and a steadfast advocate for his brand of governance.
Before being named to his current position, Cheung was designated as assistant to the president and director of communications in Trump’s first term. He held the role of director of strategic response, where he gained valuable experience navigating complex media environments. His tenure in this capacity provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the fast-paced challenges expected in his new role.
Alongside Cheung, the transition team also revealed that Sergio Gor, another Trump ally, will step into the role of assistant to the president and director of presidential personnel. Gor’s previous experience has been cited in CNN reports, indicating that he was a natural choice for the personnel position due to his extensive background and strong loyalty to Trump. This alignment of appointments is expected to help consolidate Trump’s message and personnel decisions as they prepare for the next phase of his administration.
In formal remarks about the appointments, Trump expressed his appreciation for both Cheung and Gor, stating, “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, leading us all the way to our Historic Victory in 2024.” With Trump’s focus on the “Make America Great Again” agenda, the appointment reflects his intent to stick closely to the strategies and philosophies that have characterized his public life and presidential campaigns.
It’s important to note that the communications director role is distinct from that of press secretary. In previous administrations, individuals have held both positions simultaneously, but as of now, Trump has yet to announce who will serve as press secretary. This absence indicates a degree of strategic deliberation as Trump finalizes his team.
Cheung is recognized for his combative defense of Trump, primarily operating behind the scenes but also active on social media platforms. His robust online presence reinforces his role as a vocal supporter of the president, assisting in shaping the narrative surrounding Trump’s actions and policies. However, it is noteworthy that White House communication directors have faced challenges with turnover in the past. Under Trump’s first term, there were six individuals who held the title, none lasting longer than a year—a record characterized by instability in communication leadership.
The most notorious of such appointments was Anthony Scaramucci, who held the position for a mere 11 days. Scaramucci’s brief stint and his subsequent criticism of Trump’s administration highlight the often tumultuous nature of political appointments within the White House. Another former communications director, Stephanie Grisham, also parted ways with the administration, suggesting a pattern of discord among Trump’s communication teams.
Before his deep involvement in Trump’s political endeavors, Cheung worked as a spokesman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This connection hints at a broader relationship between Trump and the UFC, as the president is known to attend various fight events. This aligns with his friendship with UFC President Dana White, who notably supported Trump publicly during the Republican National Convention.
As Cheung steps into his role, he is expected to manage communications during key phases of Trump’s presidency, including handling media crises and navigating public relations challenges that arise. His previous experience addressing media incidents, including a controversy surrounding Arlington National Cemetery during the campaign, suggests he is prepared to face scrutiny head-on. Cheung had promised to provide visual evidence concerning that incident but ended up not releasing any footage, reflecting the complexities of his communication approach.
Given these developments, it is clear that the upcoming administration will rely on strong communication strategies and well-established relationships. This story has been adapted and updated to present the latest news on these appointments as they unfold.
