"The Loyal Soldier": Steven Cheung is a candidate to replace Karoline Leavitt
According to a report in the New York Post, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung is a leading candidate to replace outgoing press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Cheung has been a close advisor to Donald Trump since 2016.
Steven Cheung, who currently serves as the White House Communications Director, is among the leading candidates to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary, according to a report published Thursday in the New York Post.
Cheung has previously assumed some of Leavitt's responsibilities while she was on maternity leave. Born in Sacramento to parents who immigrated from China, he began his career as an intern in the office of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger before managing a series of political campaigns.
Since 2016, he has been part of Donald Trump's inner circle of advisors. The President even gave him the nickname "Luca Brasi," after the loyal soldier of Vito Corleone in the film "The Godfather."
Trump announced last night that Leavitt would step down at the end of the month. According to the President, Leavitt requested to leave her post to dedicate more time to her family and young children.
In a statement, Trump noted that he understands and respects her decision, adding that Leavitt will continue to serve as a senior external advisor and remain an influential voice in the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections.
"Karoline was a true leader in the White House and did a phenomenal job since 2018, including on the historic 2024 campaign," Trump wrote. "She was one of the best White House press secretaries in history. Thank you, Karoline, for a job done perfectly."
29-year-old Leavitt began her career in American politics during Donald Trump's first presidential term, when she joined the White House communications team as a speechwriter and deputy press secretary.
