Trump plans to appoint campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung as communications director
A seasoned participant in all three campaigns, he is recognized for his cutting remarks in support of Trump.
TroibNews 
Steven Cheung, who has been Donald Trump’s principal spokesperson for his 2024 campaign and has also played key roles in his 2020 and 2016 campaigns, will be joining the White House as communications director, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Cheung has consistently been by Trump’s side, serving as an integral member of his close-knit presidential campaign team, which includes Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita.
Trump, who prefers to surround himself with individuals who are politically aggressive, relied on Cheung, a former communications professional at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, to craft pointed statements that demonstrated his leader's talent for using rhetoric as a political weapon.
Although Cheung maintained a low profile during the campaign, the remarks he delivered on behalf of the former president were incisive and sometimes surprising. These contributions were instrumental in Trump’s aggressive strategy during the GOP primary, notably seen in his early criticisms of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
At 42, Cheung was raised by Chinese immigrant parents in California and later worked on various Republican campaigns before transitioning to the UFC and then joining Trump's 2016 presidential effort. Following Trump's victory, he served in the White House as a special assistant to the president and assistant communications director. After contributing to Trump's 2020 reelection bid, he provided consulting services for several prominent GOP campaigns before rejoining Trump’s 2024 team.
Despite his reputation for making fiery statements against “fake news,” Cheung, along with Trump’s 2024 team, fostered relationships with the media. He collaborated closely with key Trump campaign communicators and spokespeople, including senior advisers Jason Miller, Danielle Alvarez, Brian Hughes, and spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Earlier this week, Trump announced that another long-time spokesperson, Taylor Budowich, would take on the role of deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
While Trump has yet to appoint a press secretary, several names are being considered.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Cheung has consistently been by Trump’s side, serving as an integral member of his close-knit presidential campaign team, which includes Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita.
Trump, who prefers to surround himself with individuals who are politically aggressive, relied on Cheung, a former communications professional at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, to craft pointed statements that demonstrated his leader's talent for using rhetoric as a political weapon.
Although Cheung maintained a low profile during the campaign, the remarks he delivered on behalf of the former president were incisive and sometimes surprising. These contributions were instrumental in Trump’s aggressive strategy during the GOP primary, notably seen in his early criticisms of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
At 42, Cheung was raised by Chinese immigrant parents in California and later worked on various Republican campaigns before transitioning to the UFC and then joining Trump's 2016 presidential effort. Following Trump's victory, he served in the White House as a special assistant to the president and assistant communications director. After contributing to Trump's 2020 reelection bid, he provided consulting services for several prominent GOP campaigns before rejoining Trump’s 2024 team.
Despite his reputation for making fiery statements against “fake news,” Cheung, along with Trump’s 2024 team, fostered relationships with the media. He collaborated closely with key Trump campaign communicators and spokespeople, including senior advisers Jason Miller, Danielle Alvarez, Brian Hughes, and spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Earlier this week, Trump announced that another long-time spokesperson, Taylor Budowich, would take on the role of deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
While Trump has yet to appoint a press secretary, several names are being considered.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
