Sonny Joy Nelson to leave White House, start communications firm

Axios

Sonny Joy Nelson with President Trump at the Resolute Desk — Sonny Joy Nelson in the Oval Office on Thursday. Photo: Molly Riley/The White House

Sonny Joy Nelson, special assistant to the president and White House director of media affairs since President Trump began this term, is leaving the White House to start her own media booking and communications consulting firm, Cornerstone Strategics.

Nelson, a proud North Carolina native, was one of the first communications hires on Trump's 2024 campaign, where she was director of media affairs, and has held communications roles in Trumpworld since 2020.

Her shop oversees booking of administration guests for TV (network, cable and local), radio (national and local) and new media/podcasts.

What they're saying: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to Axios: "Sonny is the best media booker in the business — and it's not even close. Sonny has the most extensive network of media contacts of anyone in politics. But, most importantly, she is well respected by everyone she works with because she's a hard worker and a great person."

Nelson told me the name for her media relations and public affairs firm was "inspired by Jesus as the cornerstone of my life and basis of my firm. The goal is to create media that not only looks good, but communicates something real and lasting."

Nelson is expecting her second child (another boy) this fall. Friday is her last day at the White House.

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Sonny Joy Nelson to leave White House, start communications firm

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