Steven Cheung, a press aide to Donald Trump who has been one of the president-elect’s most combative and steadfast defenders over the years, will serve as the White House communications director under his long-time boss.

Cheung served as Trump’s primary spokesman during his 2024 campaign, and was a regular presence on the campaign trail. He previously served on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns and as a top communications official for the Ultimate Fighting Championship league, which is helmed by Trump ally Dana White.

Politico first reported on Cheung’s expected White House role. Trump has not yet announced who will serve as his press secretary, which is a more public-facing role.

Cheung, 42, is a California native whose parents are Chinese immigrants. After Trump’s surprising win in 2016, Cheung served in the White House as a special assistant to the president and as assistant communications director.

He is known as a fierce defender of Trump and a vocal critic of the “fake news.”

In recent months, Cheung decried the “Democrat Witch Hunts” against Trump that were “falling apart like the rotten house of cards that they are.” He called the Manhattan hush-money trial against Trump a “sham” and “rigged.” He took aim at John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, saying Kelly “totally beclowned himself” for claiming that Trump fits the definition of a fascist.

Cheung also accused Democrat Kamala Harris of having a “dangerously liberal agenda.” At one point he said “the terror regime in Iran loves the weakness” of Harris. Iran, he said, “is terrified of the strength and resolve of President Trump.”