Trump aide Dan Scavino named head of White House personnel
Oct. 12 (UPI) — Longtime Washington insider and political aide Dan Scavino has been selected to head the presidential personnel office.
Scavino will replace Sergio Gor, whom President Donald Trump nominated in August to serve as U.S. ambassador to India.
Scavino, a former deputy chief of staff, has been among Trump’s most trusted advisers.
“I am pleased to announce that the great Dan Scavino, in addition to remaining Deputy Chief of Staff to the Trump Administration, will head to the White House Presidential Personnel Office, replacing Sergio Gor, who did a wonderful job in that position, and will now become Ambassador to India,” Trump said in a social media post.
The personnel office has largely overseen administrative duties, but also has had significant influence, especially during the Trump administration, which has selected several candidates based on their loyalty to the president. The office is responsible for hiring and firing thousands of employees.
Scavino’s appointment comes amid a government shutdown, which led to the layoffs of more than 4,000 employees Friday. Trump has not been clear as to whether they will receive back pay, or whether they will have jobs when the government reopens.