Dan Scavino Takes Charge of Trump’s Presidential Personnel Office as Administration Tightens Loyalty Circles

President Donald Trump announced that longtime aide Dan Scavino will assume leadership of the White House Presidential Personnel Office (PPO) — a powerful division responsible for vetting and recommending appointees across the federal government. Scavino, who has served as Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff and social media strategist since the 1990s, will retain his current role while taking on this additional responsibility.

Scavino replaces Sergio Gor, who has been nominated as U.S. Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor’s nomination signals a continued reshuffling within Trump’s inner circle as the administration seeks to reinforce loyalty and maintain tight control over federal staffing decisions.

The Presidential Personnel Office wields significant influence behind the scenes — overseeing selections for thousands of political appointments, from senior agency directors to advisory board members. During Trump’s first term, the PPO was often at the center of internal conflicts, as competing factions pushed for influence over who was “in” or “out.”

This time, Trump appears determined to avoid that instability. By placing Scavino — one of his most trusted confidants dating back to the Trump Organization and the early campaign days — at the helm, the president signals a renewed focus on ideological alignment and personal loyalty.

Political observers note that Scavino’s expanded role may also indicate a tightening of Trump’s communication and personnel strategies, especially as the administration navigates contentious policy rollouts, global diplomacy challenges, and lingering divides from his previous term.

The move underscores a broader theme emerging in Trump’s second presidency: consolidation of trust, control, and message discipline.

Scavino’s appointment further cements his place as one of the most enduring figures in Trump’s political orbit — a rare constant from the early campaign rallies of 2015 to the halls of power in 2025.

Sources:

• White House Press Office Statement, October 12, 2025

• Politico, October 2025

• Reuters, October 2025