Donald Trump announced in a statement on Sunday, November 13, that he had named Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus as his White House chief of staff. Trump also selected Steve Bannon, the Trump campaign CEO and executive chairman of Breitbart News, as a chief strategist and senior counselor.
“I am thrilled to have my very successful team continue with me in leading our country,” the POTUS-elect, 70, said in a press release. “Steve and Reince are highly qualified leaders who worked well together on our campaign and led us to a historic victory. Now I will have both with me in the White House as we work to make America great again.”
The statement continued: “Bannon and Priebus will continue the effective leadership team they formed during the campaign, working as equal partners to transform the federal government, making it much more efficient, effective and productive.”
Both Priebus, 44, and Bannon, 62, were integral parts of Trump’s campaign for presidency throughout the 2016 election season. After several Republican officials refused to endorse Trump earlier this year, Priebus often served as a negotiator between the party and the GOP candidate.
As previously reported, Trump announced his presidential transition team executive committee on Friday, November 11. Children Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric will join their father’s committee, as will Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner.
Priebus and Bannon’s appointed cabinet roles do not require Senate confirmation.
Trump and his family will be featured in his first postelection interview on 60 Minutes on Sunday, November 13.