President-elect Trump has chosen several new senior staff members to strengthen his legal and policy teams before he takes office on Jan. 20.
Key Facts:
• Stanley Woodward will join as a senior counselor on the White House legal team.
• Susie Wiles, the incoming chief of staff, is set to work closely with Woodward.
• Robert Gabriel Jr. will serve as assistant to the president for policy.
• Nicholas Luna will become deputy chief of staff for strategic implementation.
• William “Beau” Harrison has been picked as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for operations.
The Rest of The Story:
President-elect Trump announced these appointments to complete his core group of advisors and strategists.
He selected Stanley Woodward to reinforce the White House’s legal operations.
According to Trump’s statement, Woodward will work “closely” with Susie Wiles, who has been chosen as chief of staff.
Before accepting this role, Woodward represented key members of Trump’s circle, including individuals involved in the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
Now, as a senior counselor, he brings a background dealing with federal litigation and international matters.
Meanwhile, Robert Gabriel Jr. is returning to the White House, taking on policy duties.
His experience spans media production and political advisory roles, including work in the West Wing during Trump’s previous administration.
Nicholas Luna, a former member of Vice President-elect JD Vance’s team, will oversee strategic implementation.
Trump praised Luna for his campaign work and plans to rely on him for logistical coordination, scheduling, and messaging.
Rounding out the announcements, William “Beau” Harrison will focus on operational aspects at the White House, a role he held in a similar capacity during Trump’s first term.
Trump referred to Harrison as a “trusted aide,” noting his hands-on participation in pivotal diplomatic efforts overseas, from North Korea to Afghanistan.
The appointees—Stanley E. Woodward Jr., Robert Gabriel Jr., Nicholas F. Luna, and William "Beau" Harrison—will play key roles in supporting Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in implementing Trump’s agenda and ensuring smooth executive operations.https://t.co/WrRvAEVJOl pic.twitter.com/q1TvYsh7Op
— MxM News (@mxmnews) January 5, 2025
The Bottom Line:
These choices indicate that Trump is placing experienced allies in positions critical to daily White House operations.
By selecting individuals he trusts, the president-elect appears determined to enter his term with a team that already knows his style and priorities.
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In turn, these fresh appointments reflect his goal of moving quickly on legal, policy, and strategic fronts once he is sworn in.