The Caddie Who Met Trump at 16... 30 Years Later, Becomes White House Personnel Director

by Yun Seulgi

Published 13 Oct.2025 09:58(KST)

Trump: "Scavino Takes on a Very Important Role"

U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, as Director of Presidential Personnel. Scavino, who first met President Trump over 30 years ago while working as a golf course caddie, is now being recognized as a powerful figure overseeing personnel decisions within the administration.

Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Personnel. Scavino Director of Personnel Facebook

On October 12 (local time), President Trump announced on his social networking service, Truth Social, "I am pleased to announce that the great Dan Scavino will not only continue as White House Deputy Chief of Staff in the Trump administration, but will also be responsible for leading the White House Presidential Personnel Office."

He added, "Dan will be responsible for the selection and appointment of nearly every position in the government," emphasizing that "it is a very large and important role."

Scavino will lead the White House Personnel Office, succeeding Sergio Gor, who was nominated as U.S. Ambassador to India. As a longtime confidant of President Trump, Scavino has built trust with him since before Trump entered politics, dating back to Trump's days as a businessman.

Over 30 years ago, at the age of 16, Scavino first met Trump while working as a caddie at a golf course. He continued to work at golf courses and affiliates acquired by Trump both during his college years and after graduation.

He later joined Trump's presidential campaign as an early member when Trump announced his candidacy in 2015. During Trump's first term, he was responsible for public relations work, including social media. Even after the Capitol riot in January 2021 and Trump's departure from office, Scavino remained by Trump's side, establishing himself as a trusted advisor and a key figure in the administration.

The New York Times reported, "The Personnel Office has traditionally been limited to administrative functions, but when the president values 'loyalty' as a personnel standard, it becomes a position of significant power," and added, "This department assists in the selection and dismissal of thousands of political appointees nominated by the president."