OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
First Lady-elect Melania Trump has appointed Hayley Harrison as her new chief of staff, a seasoned aide with extensive experience in White House operations who brings a blend of loyalty, expertise, and institutional knowledge to the position, positioning her as a pivotal figure in the Trump administration’s second term.
The Office of Melania Trump announced on social media as momentum grew for President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
“Mrs. Harrison has maintained an integral role and exceptional leadership on the First Lady’s team over the past seven years,” the statement read. “She has a strong understanding of White House operations, and as Chief of Staff, Mrs. Harrison will oversee and manage the East Wing’s team while strategically liaising with other parts of government.”
Since her husband was elected President, Melania Trump has added a new member to her East Wing staff. Previously, Stephanie Grisham served as Melania’s COS during the latter part of Trump’s first term but resigned shortly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and became a noted anti-Trumper.
The chief of staff of the first lady serves as a senior advisor, responsible for supervising her initiatives, public engagements, and office operations. The position involves strategic planning, providing expertise on public relations and policy, and managing Melania’s staff to ensure efficient and effective operations.
Harrison and her husband, William “Beau” Harrison, both former staff members in the Trump White House, have maintained their close relationship with the former president after he departed from office. According to the Daily Mail, they relocated to Mar-a-Lago alongside the Trumps, traveling aboard Marine One on January 20, 2021.
First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden greeted President-elect Trump when they both met at the White House last week. Melania Trump declined Jill’s invitation to the annual gathering of incoming and outgoing first ladies, citing a commitment to her book as her reason.
Jill Biden, the White House official said, “gave Mr. Trump a handwritten letter of congratulations for Mrs. Trump, which also expressed her team’s readiness to assist with the transition.”
“Looking forward to having a smooth transition. Can make sure you’re accommodated, give you what you need,” President Biden said to the president-elect, adding, “Welcome.” Biden then said: “Well, Mr. President-elect and former President Donald, congratulations, and looking forward to having a smooth transition.”
Trump earnestly said: “Thank you, Thank you very much. And politics is tough and it’s in many cases not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today and I appreciate very much a transition that is so smooth, it’ll be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe.”
Look how happy Biden is man. pic.twitter.com/4JQ3pDgaza
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 13, 2024
Previously, Trump outlined his plans to “dismantle” the so-called “deep state” and take back American democracy from Washington’s “corruption.”
In a video message, Trump’s ten-point plan tries to change how the federal government works, focusing on changing long-standing bureaucratic structures and practices in the national security and intelligence areas. His plan includes executive orders, reforms, and a push for structural changes within government agencies. It focuses on openness and responsibility.
According to him, Trump’s first move is to immediately reissue his 2020 Executive Order, which intended to grant the president the authority to dismiss government employees he views as “rogue bureaucrats.”
Biden, meanwhile, pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday, which led Trump to hint on social media that he may move to pardon all J6 defendants once he takes office.
