Steven Cheung

Steven Cheung
Born	(1982-06-23) June 23, 1982 South Sacramento, California, U.S.
Occupation	Political strategist
Years active	2003–present
Known for	White House communications director since 2025; roles in Trump presidential campaigns and administration

Steven Cheung (born June 23, 1982) is an American political strategist who has held the position of White House communications director since 2025.

Cheung enrolled at California State University, Sacramento but did not complete his studies. His entry into politics began with an internship focused on communications and speechwriting under California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Subsequently, he contributed to several political campaigns, including Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential bid, Steve Poizner's 2010 campaign for California governor, Sharron Angle's 2010 Nevada Senate run, and Texas lieutenant governor David Dewhurst's 2012 Senate campaign. In July 2016, Cheung joined the team for Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

During President Trump's initial term, Cheung served as assistant communications director and later as director of strategic response. He was instrumental in facilitating the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and promoting the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In June 2018, amid a reorganization led by White House chief of staff John F. Kelly, Cheung was dismissed. Following this, he provided consulting services for Trump's 2020 reelection campaign and Caitlyn Jenner's 2021 recall effort for California governor. By September 2022, he headed communications for MAGA Inc., Trump's super PAC, before assuming the role of communications director for Trump's 2024 presidential bid.

In November 2024, Cheung was appointed by Trump as White House communications director.

Early life and education (1982–2004)

Steven Cheung was born on June 23, 1982, in South Sacramento, California. He is the son of parents from Hong Kong; his mother spent her upbringing in Japan. Cheung completed his secondary education at John F. Kennedy High School in 2000, where he participated in football. He pursued studies in computer science and political science at California State University, Sacramento but did not earn a degree.

Early career (2003–2016)

While attending California State University, Cheung interned in communications and speechwriting for then-California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He took part in Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign from Arizona, followed by involvement in Steve Poizner's gubernatorial campaign in California in 2010 and Sharron Angle's Nevada Senate campaign that same year. By October 2011, he had joined Texas lieutenant governor David Dewhurst's Senate campaign for 2012. In 2013, Cheung assumed the role of director of communications and public affairs at the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Trump campaign and assistant communications director (2016–2018)

In July 2016, Cheung was appointed director of rapid response for Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Following Trump's victory, he became part of the transition team managing rapid response efforts. In January 2017, he was named White House assistant communications director and advanced to director of strategic response by September. In June 2018, White House chief of staff John F. Kelly dismissed him during staff restructuring. Although not widely recognized publicly, Cheung played a significant role in advancing the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court and supporting the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Post-administration activities and Trump campaign involvement (2018–2024)

By August 2019, Cheung was providing consultancy services to Trump's 2020 presidential bid through his company Solgence. He later became involved in Caitlyn Jenner's campaign during the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election. Early in 2022, Cheung contemplated entering the race for California's ninth congressional district after Jerry McNerney announced he would not run for another term. Additionally, Cheung offered strategic advice to Brock Pierce's prospective Vermont Senate campaign and former Missouri governor Eric Greitens' Senate candidacy.

Cheung played a role in coordinating the 2020 Republican National Convention and was named communications director for MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, in September 2022. By March 2023, he had assumed leadership of communications for Trump's 2024 presidential effort, contributing numerous posts on Truth Social. In August 2024, following an incident at Arlington National Cemetery involving campaign personnel and a cemetery official, Cheung described the official as "experiencing a mental health episode" and confirmed that the campaign had obtained authorization to film at the site.

White House Communications Director (2025–present)

On November 15, 2024, president-elect Donald Trump designated Cheung as his White House communications director.

Communication approach

Cheung employs an aggressive communication style consistent with Donald Trump's media tactics. The Atlantic characterized his approach as "unrelenting hostility" that mobilizes Trump's supporters. Former White House aide Stephanie Grisham highlighted Cheung's talent for producing "concise remarks that quickly provoke," which resonate strongly with Trump’s base. Departing from previous communication directors, Cheung's social media output often contains explicit language and direct insults targeting political adversaries, using epithets such as "cuck," "dumbass," and "fucking stupid." He has labeled James Comey as "one of the dumbest motherfuckers in human history," referred to Florida governor Ron DeSantis as a "desperate eunuch," and described California governor Gavin Newsom as "a mongoloid who barely registers half a brain cell." Nevertheless, The New Yorker notes that Cheung’s harsh rhetoric is notably absent in his private interactions with journalists.