Steven Cheung (born Huyen “Steven” Cheung, June 23, 1982, in Sacramento, California) is a seasoned political advisor and a long-time supporter of former President Donald Trump. He currently serves as the spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and has played key roles in both the 2016 and 2020 Trump campaigns. Cheung also served in the Trump administration and has provided strategic counsel for several Republican political campaigns. His career also includes managing public relations at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Early Life and Education
Cheung was born in Sacramento, California, to Chinese immigrant parents. He grew up in the area and was a high school football player. He attended California State University, Sacramento, where he majored in computer science and political science, which laid the foundation for his future career in politics and public affairs.
Career
Early Political Involvement and UFC Experience
In 2003, Cheung began his political career as an intern for then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s communications team in California. He went on to work on several Republican campaigns, including John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and Steve Poizner’s California gubernatorial campaign. In 2013, Cheung transitioned into the UFC, where he served as the director of public affairs, managing media relations. During his time at UFC, Cheung faced controversy for limiting the access of critical reporters to live events.
Trump 2016 Campaign and White House Service
In 2016, Cheung joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign as Director of Rapid Response, handling media communication and countering false narratives. After Trump won the election, Cheung was appointed to the presidential transition team and later served as a Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director at the White House. He played an integral role in supporting the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Cheung left the White House in 2018 following an internal staff shake-up.
Trump 2020 Campaign and Post-Election Activities
In the 2020 presidential election, Cheung continued to serve Trump, helping to plan the Republican National Convention. After the election, he worked on the Trump campaign’s legal and media efforts to contest the results. Despite widespread claims of election fraud being debunked, Cheung defended Trump’s stance and worked to spread the campaign’s narrative regarding election integrity.
In 2021, in response to California Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu’s tweet about rising hate crimes against Asian Americans during the Trump administration, Cheung, an Asian American himself, responded, stating, “As an Asian American who has worked on campaigns, in government, and in the corporate world, working for President Trump and in his White House was the most inclusive environment I’ve ever encountered.” His response was a rebuttal to accusations that Trump’s rhetoric had fostered discrimination against Asians.
2024 Campaign Spokesman
In 2023, Cheung was appointed as the spokesman for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. In this role, he vigorously defends Trump’s policies, especially the “America First” agenda, and responds to public criticism of the president and his administration.
Controversy: Arlington National Cemetery Incident
In August 2024, Cheung and members of the Trump campaign were involved in a controversy at Arlington National Cemetery. The team was filming a promotional video in a restricted area (Section 60) of the cemetery, leading to a physical altercation with a cemetery employee who attempted to stop them. Cheung denied the accusations and claimed the employee was acting irrationally, although military officials disputed his account. The incident garnered widespread media attention and public scrutiny.
Personal and Political Views
Cheung is a staunch supporter of Trump’s conservative policies, particularly on immigration, economics, and national security. He frequently defends Trump in the media and engages in debates to uphold the president’s “America First” policy stance. As an Asian American, Cheung emphasizes the inclusivity he experienced within the Trump administration and dismisses claims that the administration fostered racial prejudice.
