Meet Hayley Harrison: Melania Trump’s new chief of staff has worked with the FLOTUS for years, even moving to Florida after leaving the White House – but she was also named in Trump’s indictment

Nov 29 , 2024

Hayley Harrison; Melania Trump. Photos: Hayley D’Antuono/Facebook, AFP

Harrison is a Trump loyalist who once served as Donald’s press secretary and has worked with Melania for years; she was caught up in Trump’s indictment for mishandling classified documents

In a statement posted to X, the office of incoming first lady Melania Trump confirmed that her long-time aide, Hayley Harrison, would become her new chief of staff. The move signalled the first major appointment for the future FLOTUS’ new White House team and was the result of the “exceptional leadership” Harrison had shown while working with Melania over the past seven years.

Former US President and current presidential-elect Donald Trump, and former US First Lady Melania Trump, speaking during an election night event in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 6. Photo: AFP

Harrison had previously worked with Melania at the White House during Donald Trump’s first term as president, and followed her to the Trump estate at Mar-a-Lago after the term ended.

The move is of particular significance after Melania’s former chief of staff and former White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, revealed intimate details about working with the Trumps ahead of the US elections on November 5.

So, who has Melania decided to trust as her new confidant? Here’s what you need to know about Hayley Harrison.

What’s Hayley Harrison’s new job?

The Office of Melania Trump confirmed in a statement that Harrison would “oversee and manage the East Wing’s team while strategically liaising with other parts of government”. The statement also addressed Harrison’s experience, adding that she had a “strong understanding of White House operations”. According to NBC Chicago, a chief of staff serves as confidant and gatekeeper, helping to execute their leader’s agenda.

Why is Hayley Harrison’s appointment so critical?

Harrison’s appointment is especially critical for the incoming first lady, given that her previous chief of staff spoke out against the former president ahead of the recent US elections. Stephanie Grisham served as Melania’s chief of staff and was, at one point, Donald’s White House press secretary. She resigned amid the attacks on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Earlier this year, she endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and accused Donald of “lacking empathy and integrity”.