Former President Donald Trump‘s circle has shifted and tightened over the course of several years and three presidential campaigns. What has resulted is a practically leak-proof team of trusted veterans advising Trump and his White House bid going into 2024.
In the past, Trump was seen as an outsider and his campaign operation was viewed as easily penetrable by reporters looking for information. This is no longer the case.
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Now, the campaign effort operates as a well-oiled machine. “In years and cycles past, there’s always been a level of infighting and trying to climb over one another to the top. That’s not happening now,” one source close to Trump told NBC News. “While there are some frustrations with individuals at times, there’s no alienation.”
This is in part due to his top four advisers, some of whom have been around since the beginning, while others are relatively new additions.
Susie Wiles
Susie Wiles is one of Trump’s 2024 campaign managers but boasts a close history with his primary rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
Wiles has worked in prominent positions over the years to help elect both Trump and DeSantis. In her capacity alongside DeSantis, she grew to one of the more powerful individuals in his circle, who was charged with plotting his course to a larger national profile and the presidency.
But when the two had a bitter falling out, reportedly due to questions DeSantis had about her loyalty, he looked to blackball her in political circles. This effort failed.
Now, as Trump’s top campaign official, Wiles has led the former president in his bid to become the Republican nominee once again—which is looking increasingly likely. Per NBC News, current and former aides to Wiles touted her ability to instill discipline in a team and the respect she commands, even from those who don’t like her.
Chris LaCivita
Chris LaCivita was a newer addition to Trump’s effort. New additions have become increasingly less frequent in Trump-world as demonstrated loyalty and trust are viewed as the most important attributes.
Speculation of LaCivita’s addition swirled in 2022, prior to Trump’s campaign announcement. However, he didn’t comment at the time.
LaCivita, now campaign manager alongside Wiles, is a veteran Republican strategist in Virginia, once serving as political director for the National Republican Senate Committee. Despite his more recent entrance to the team, he’s managed to uphold the same loyalty as those with longer-spanning relationships with the former president.
Memos with the campaign’s most important information are often released from both Wiles and LaCivita, highlighting their duel role.
Jason Miller
Jason Miller has been an adviser on Trump’s side since 2016 and returned in 2020, and once again to his campaign in 2024 to drive it to success. His role in the 2024 effort is that of senior adviser.
Miller speaks frequently with the press, often commenting on developments in the primary campaign and dispelling speculation over Trump’s next moves.
He told NBC News that Trump, “likes to get multiple opinions from people who have distinctly different perspectives, because far too often, political leaders will only get opinions from one side and only get opinions from people who have personal interest in how a decision plays out.”
“Getting input from a number of places and then coming to his own conclusion has always been one of his strengths as a leader,” he added.
Boris Epshteyn
Boris Epshteyn is another longtime adviser and trusted member of Trump’s team. He was by the former president’s side throughout 2016 and his White House term, as well as his 2020 bid.
In particular, Epshteyn was significantly involved in working to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and challenging them in court.
Appearing at Trump’s side during some of his court visits, he is understood to be one of very few that Trump speaks with frequently.
Speaking of the adviser previously, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung called Epshteyn “a deeply valued member of the team,” adding that he’s “done a terrific job shepherding the legal efforts fighting” the Justice Department and various congressional investigations.
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Some, however, have suggested that Epshteyn has been a bad influence on the former president, urging him to move on some of his worse instincts.
Past aides have complained about him on occasion for this. In 2022, it was reported that Trump lawyer Alan Garten wrote in an email, “Great job Boris. Another frivolous lawsuit. What a joke.” He was referencing a lawsuit filed in Florida against the New York attorney general, which Trump ultimately withdrew.
