President-elect Donald Trump announced two new appointments to his White House staff on Friday, continuing to assemble his team ahead of his second term. Trump promoted Steven Cheung, his campaign spokesman, to serve as assistant to the president and director of communications. Additionally, Sergio Gor, a longtime ally and business partner of Donald Trump Jr., will join the administration as director of the Presidential Personnel Office.
Both Cheung and Gor are well-known figures in Trump’s orbit, having played prominent roles in his campaigns and affiliated organizations. Cheung, who was the communications director for the Trump-Vance campaign, previously served as White House director of strategic response during Trump’s first term. Gor, who led the pro-Trump political action committee Right For America, has deep ties within Republican circles, including a stint in Sen. Rand Paul’s office.
“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,” Trump said in a statement. “I am thrilled to have them join my White House, as we Make America Great Again!”
Trump Jr. celebrated the announcement, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Awesome news. Sergio will be great!” Both appointees are seen as loyal to the president-elect, aligning with Trump’s stated priority of building a team that reflects his vision and principles.
Lessons from the Past Shape Trump’s Picks
Trump has openly acknowledged the importance of loyalty and alignment with his agenda in assembling his team this time around. Reflecting on his first term, Trump admitted during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast last month that he regretted some of his personnel decisions. “The biggest mistake I made was I picked some people that I shouldn’t have picked,” he said, adding that he’s determined to avoid similar missteps during his second term.
The president-elect’s recent appointments underscore his commitment to surrounding himself with trusted allies. Cheung’s promotion reflects his successful tenure as a key spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, while Gor’s appointment brings a seasoned organizer with close ties to Trump Jr. into the fold.
A Growing Administration
Cheung and Gor join a slate of high-profile names in Trump’s incoming administration. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has been named U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, while Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) is set to become national security adviser. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) will lead the State Department as secretary of state.
Notably, Trump has tapped Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as attorney general and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency.
The swift pace of these appointments reflects Trump’s focus on assembling a team ready to hit the ground running in January. His choices highlight a blend of loyalty, expertise, and alignment with his America First agenda, setting the stage for what he envisions as a transformative second term.
Sources:
- Trump’s official statement on Steven Cheung and Sergio Gor appointments.
- The Joe Rogan Experience podcast interview with Donald Trump.
- Trump Jr.’s post on X (formerly Twitter).
- Bloomberg and Semafor reports on Sergio Gor’s appointment.
- Coverage of prior Trump administration announcements from Fox News and Reuters.
