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Inside the West Wing: Key Players in Trump’s Second Term
As President Trump settles into his second term, one of the notable figures in the West Wing is Dan Scavino, who has been a trusted aide and advisor for an extended period. His office is situated close to the Oval Office, reflecting his significant role in the administration.
While physical proximity to the president has traditionally indicated influence, dynamics have evolved. In Trump’s current term, he often communicates with key advisors via phone, maintaining oversight of those whose perspectives he values greatly.
The configuration of offices in the West Wing remains a point of interest for both insiders and observers, especially as some desks remain unoccupied. Scavino, who now serves as deputy chief of staff, occupies the office adjacent to the president’s private dining area. This space was previously held by Jared Kushner during the first term and by Mike Donilon in Joe Biden’s administration. Scavino, often regarded as the voice behind Trump’s MAGA movement, commands a robust following on social media, where his content resonates widely with supporters.
Next to Scavino is James Blair, a deputy chief of staff who previously served as political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign. Blair operates from the office previously used by Steve Bannon during his brief tenure as chief strategist in the first Trump administration.
Susie Wiles occupies a spacious corner office, a location traditionally designated for the chief of staff. In the same hallway, Beau Harrison serves as deputy chief of staff for operations from a cubicle-style office that Bruce Reed utilized during the Biden era.
Margo Martin, a special assistant and communications advisor, holds a desk in the outer Oval office along with fellow staff members, including Chamberlain Harris, receptionist; Natalie Harp, a former One America News Network anchor; and Walt Nauta, a military aide who faced legal issues related to classified documents during Trump’s presidency, though the charges were later dismissed.
In a typical arrangement, Vice President JD Vance and national security adviser Mike Waltz are positioned along the West Wing’s western corridor. Vance’s chief of staff, Jacob Reses, is also situated in the vice president’s suite.
Alex Wong, serving as deputy national security adviser, and senior adviser Micah Ketchel are present in Waltz’s office suite. The National Security Council’s chief of staff, Brian McCormack, and spokesperson Brian Hughes are located on the ground floor, conveniently near the Situation Room, while a majority of the NSC staff operates from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the West Wing.
In terms of other notable staffing, border czar Tom Homan is positioned near the Navy Mess, and the basement level houses figures like special envoy Steve Witkoff and Paula White-Cain from the faith office, as well as staff secretary Will Scharf.
Upstairs, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who is considered one of Trump’s closest advisors, shares a suite with policy strategist May Davis Mailman. The second floor also accommodates David Warrington and various members of the White House counsel team, including Alina Habba, a counselor to the president. Other influential figures lining the second floor include Kevin Hassett, head of the National Economic Council; Nick Luna, deputy chief of staff; Vince Haley, director of the domestic policy council; and Ross Worthington, the head speechwriter.
Notably, some influential figures within Trump’s orbit do not have offices in the West Wing. Cabinet members like Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce, and efficiency consultant Elon Musk are based elsewhere in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, while key advisors such as family members and personal counsel Boris Epshteyn and former communications aide Jason Miller remain outside governmental structures.
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