Recent Cabinet Picks: Communications Director: Steven Cheung, Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt

Introduction

With Donald Trump being set to take the office for his second term as President-elect, he has been busy getting his Cabinet and other key roles in his administration ready. Fresh picks include Karoline Leavitt for Press Secretary and Steven Cheung for Communications Director among the newest. The appointments show Trump is sticking to his pledge of appointing himself only with very trusted advisors and experienced people who have stood by him through his entire political career.

Karoline Leavitt: Youngest White House Press Secretary
Background and Early Career

At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt is poised to become the youngest White House Press Secretary in history. Leavitt was born and raised in Atkinson, New Hampshire and while at Saint Anselm College, where she was a vocal supporter of the Trump administration, that is when she began her political journey. Fox News is where she interned, and then she worked in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence during Trump’s first term.

Rise to Prominence

She also became fast on the rise as a tough, effective communicator. As an assistant press secretary, she went on to aid Kayleigh McEnany, and then turned around and became Elise Stefanik’s communications director. Then during the 2024 election, her role as Trump’s campaign press secretary cemented her status as one of Trump’s trusted voices inside his camp.

Roles and Responsibilities as Press Secretary

Leavitt will serve as White House Press Secretary, the public face of the administration and responsible for holding daily briefings whilst keeping at bay the vitriolic relationship between the White House and the media more often than not. Why Leavitt is another big name in conservative politics to endorse Trump—media skills, loyalty, playing well with the press.

Steven Cheung: New Communications Director
Background and Early Career

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung is a seasoned political advisor. Cheung was born in Sacramento, to Chinese immigrant parents, and began her career in politics working as an intern for then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’ s office. After that he worked for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, served in Republican campaigns and joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as a communications director.

Role in Trump’s Campaigns

He joined Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and served as director of rapid response, for which he was known for aggressively and sometimes provocatively vocal statements. After Trump, he continued to serve in the Trump administration, this time as the Director of Strategic Response, helping to lead the communications effort around the nomination of soon-to-be Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. As Trump’s 2024 campaign succeeded, Cheung’s loyalty, and his aggressive defense of Trump, meant he was trusted.’

Responsibilities as Communications Director

As Communications Director, Cheung will lead the planning and messaging of the administration. Part of his job will be to create and deliver the administration’s message to the public, and to work closely with other senior members of the communications team.

Other Key Appointments

In addition to Leavitt and Cheung, Trump has made several other notable appointments to his Cabinet and key roles within his administration:

• Sergio Gor: Time spent there is spent appointed as the Director of the Presidential Personnel Office. Since Trump’s first presidential campaign, Gor has been a trusted advisor, and has continued to push America First principles.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: As Secretary for Health and Human Services. Under the slogan ‘Make America Healthy Again’, Kennedy, who ended his bid for the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Trump, will concentrate on public health issues.
• Marco Rubio: Moved up for being nominated as the Secretary of State. Rubio’s mastery of foreign policy and backing Trump’s agenda make him an important part of the administration’s diplomatic work.
• Matt Gaetz: Attorney General nominated. Gaetz, a foe of Attorney General Eric Holder, will oversee the Department of Justice, and its various initiatives.

FAQs

What is the main responsibilities of a White House Press Secretary?

The principal role of the White House Press Secretary is to provide daily press briefings, serve as public face for the Administration, manage the Administration’s media relations and disseminating the administration’s message to the public.

Who is Karoline Leavitt?

President-elect Donald Trump named Karoline Leavitt, a 27-year-old political aide, as the White House Press Secretary. History will show that she is the youngest person to ever hold this position.

Who is Steven Cheung in the Trump administration?

The White House Communications Director is Steven Cheung. In that role, he will oversee administration strategic planning and messaging; media relations; and work with other key members of the communications team.

Who else are some other key appointments in Trump’s administration?

Other important appointments are Sergio Gor (Director of the Presidential Personnel Office), Robert F Kennedy Jr. (Secretary of Health and Human Services), Marco Rubio (Secretary of State) and Matt Gaetz (Attorney General).

So, what’s the meaning behind these appointments?

These appointments also show Trump’s desire to have surrouding himself with his trusted insiders and skilled professionals who shared his commitment so far in his political career. But they are also expected to do the grunt work of delivering the administration’s message and implementing its policies.

Conclusion

Karoline Leavitt as Press Secretary and Steven Cheung as Communications Director are some of the latest job appointments that President elect Donald Trump will be able to make for his second term as he focuses on loyalty, experience and effective communication. These will be key roles for the administration in establishing its brand and delivering that brand to Americans.