Trump Taps Karoline Leavitt, Doug Burgum, and Others for Key Roles

Published: 11/15/2024, 11:40:54 PM EST

Trump Taps Karoline Leavitt, Doug Burgum, and Others for Key Roles — (Left) Steven Cheung, political adviser for former President Donald Trump, walks outside of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. federal courthouse in Miami, Fla., on June 13, 2023. (Center) North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks during a rally for Trump in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Nov. 4, 2024. (Right) Karoline Leavitt in Kingston, N.H., on Nov. 3, 2022. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times; Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images; Learner Liu/The Epoch Times)

President-elect Donald Trump has announced more members to his upcoming administration.

Trump continued to reveal his team for his second term in the White House, making his official announcements on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.

White House Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt

Trump has appointed Karoline Leavitt as the White House press secretary. Leavitt previously held the position of national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign and served as assistant press secretary and presidential writer during Trump's first term.

At 27 years old, Leavitt will be the youngest person to hold the role. Leavitt will be the face of the Trump administration and will appear on camera often. As press secretary, she will be tasked with holding daily press briefings and facing questions from reporters on major newsworthy issues.

"Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator," Trump said in a statement. "I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American people."

The New Hampshire native ran for Congress in 2022 and won the GOP primary but later failed to unseat the Democrat incumbent. She also used to work for Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's pick for U.N. ambassador.

Leavitt is an "excellent choice" and "perfect pick," former White House press secretary and Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany wrote in a post on X. "Karoline is smart, tough, professional, and I have no doubt that she will excel at the podium."

The newly tapped press secretary was highly visible on the campaign trail, speaking to the media, promoting Trump's platform, and defending him.

In response to the announcement, Leavitt thanked the president-elect. "Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored. Let’s MAGA!"

Chief of National Energy Council: Doug Burgum

Trump revealed that Sen. Doug Burgum (R-N.D.), his Interior Department nominee, will also be responsible for a new National Energy Council. The council will lead a multi-agency effort to boost U.S. energy production and eliminate regulations.

The role will oversee the “drill, baby, drill’ effort that Trump often touted on the campaign trail, according to the president-elect.

“This Council will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and by focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation,” Trump said in his Friday statement.

Trump stated that “all types of energy” will be unleashed under the newly-established council, which will also create good-paying jobs.

Burgum’s position will also give him a seat at the National Security Council.

Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member said that Burgum has proven, as North Dakota’s governor, that he can balance environmental stewardship with record energy development.

“Gov. Burgum knows what it takes to unleash American energy. He recognizes how important our federal lands are for energy & mineral production, grazing, and recreation,” Barrasso wrote in a post on X.

Burgum, a former Microsoft executive, successfully ran for governor in 2016. He defeated the state’s longtime attorney general in the Republican gubernatorial primary in what was considered a major upset.

In June 2023, Burgum announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. His presidential campaign focused on energy production, the economy, and national security. Six months after announcing his candidacy, Burgum withdrew from the race. Soon after, he endorsed Trump.

In response to Trump's announcement, Burgum stated on X that he was grateful to be tapped for the role and looks forward to serving the American people and achieving energy dominance.

Communications Director: Steven Cheung

Trump has tapped Steven Cheung to serve as his White House communications director. As a senior staffer, Cheung will be tasked with promoting Trump's agenda and leading his media campaigns.

Cheung previously served as campaign spokesman for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He also worked in Trump’s first term in the White House as director of strategic response. Cheung handled communications during several incidents that caught the media’s attention.

Prior to his role in Trump’s first term, Cheung served as a spokesperson for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The UFC's president and CEO, Dana White, is a longtime friend of the president-elect.

Cheung’s role is not subject to Senate confirmation.

President of Presidential Personnel Office: Sergio Gor

The president-elect also named Sergio Gor to lead the Presidential Personnel Office.

The office helps identify highly qualified appointees for federal government jobs and help advance the president's agenda.

“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!”

Gor has served as CEO of Winning Team Publishing and also led the pro-Trump Super PAC, Right For America.

“Awesome news. Sergio will be great!” Trump Jr. wrote in a post on X about Gor’s appointment.

Gor's position is not subject to Senate confirmation.