Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Dan Scavino, currently White House deputy chief of staff, is expected to be appointed to lead the Presidential Personnel Office (PPO), a move that follows President Trump’s recent announcement of Sergio Gor, the current PPO head, as ambassador to India and special envoy. This anticipated appointment signals a continued focus on staffing the administration with individuals aligned with Trump’s “America First” agenda, with Scavino being a long-standing and trusted advisor.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the significance of Scavino’s expected role, stating that “Dan Scavino is one of President Trump’s most trusted and longest serving advisors.” Leavitt emphasized that Scavino’s leadership would ensure the administration is “staffed with the most qualified, competent, and America First-driven workers,” aiming for “the highest quality, most dedicated workforce ever.”
Trump plans to officially appoint Scavino, who has been one of his closest advisers since his first administration, according to an initial report by Politico. The PPO is central to shaping the federal government’s workforce, aligning it with the President’s policy objectives and political philosophy.
Transition and Other Considerations
The shift in PPO leadership comes as President Trump announced on Friday his selection of Sergio Gor to serve as ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia. Gor, described as a fierce loyalist, has been instrumental in Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government by staffing it with loyalists.
In related discussions, far-right activist Laura Loomer had also expressed interest in the personnel role. Appearing on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Loomer stated she would “love to run the office of PPO if given the opportunity” and indicated a desire to “serve the president in any capacity.”
Loomer further asserted that there is a “vetting crisis” within the Trump team. She has reportedly been active in identifying Trump administration officials she perceives as insufficiently loyal to the President and his agenda, bringing her recommendations directly to the White House.
The expected appointment of Dan Scavino to the Presidential Personnel Office underscores President Trump’s ongoing strategy to solidify his administration with trusted advisors and loyalists, as he continues to shape the federal government’s composition.
