Updated Nov 15, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Trump names Steven Cheung as White House communications director

April Rubin

Steven Cheung photographed outdoors — Steven Cheung, spokesman for President-elect Trump, during a news conference on Aug. 15. Photo: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

President-elect Trump on Friday announced his campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung will be White House director of communications.

The big picture: Cheung, who will also serve as an assistant to the president, is one of Trump's most pugnacious defenders. He has routinely denounced critical coverage of his boss as "fake news."

Trump also appointed Sergio Gor as an assistant and director of the presidential personnel office.

What he's saying: Cheung and Gor "have continued to champion America First principles throughout my first term all the way to our historic victory in 2024," Trump said in a statement.

Context: Cheung has been a close adviser for Trump since his 2016 presidential run.

He previously served as director of strategic response in the first Trump White House.

Flashback: Former Olympic decathlete and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner hired Cheung in 2021 when she launched a bid for California governor.

He also worked on Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful 2003 recall campaign.
Cheung was temporarily a communications official for the The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), led by Trump ally Dana White.

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional context.

Add Axios on Google

Trump names Steven Cheung as White House communications director

What to read next