Steven Cheung, who served as Donald Trump’s principal spokesperson on his 2024 campaign and also served on his 2020 and 2016 campaigns, is joining the White House as communications director, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Cheung has been a near constant presence at Trump’s side and a key member of his tight-knit presidential campaign, run by Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita.

Trump, who likes to surround himself with political fighters, leaned on Cheung, a former communications professional at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, to send out slashing statements that reflected his boss’ penchant for wielding rhetoric like a political knife.

Cheung kept a low profile during the campaign, but his statements on behalf of the former president were sharp and sometimes shocking. They were part of Trump’s slash-and-burn strategy in the GOP primary, including his early takedown of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Cheung, 42, was raised by Chinese immigrant parents in California and went on to work for several Republican campaigns before joining the UFC, and then, Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. After Trump won, he went to the White House as special assistant to the president and assistant communications director. After working on Trump’s 2020 reelection, he consulted on several high profile GOP campaigns before once again joining Trump’s 2024 team.

While Cheung has a reputation for fiery statements criticizing “fake news,” he and Trump’s 2024 team cultivated working relationships with the press. Cheung worked closely with top Trump campaign communicators and spokespersons including senior advisers Jason Miller, Danielle Alvarez, Brian Hughes, and spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.

Earlier this week, Trump announced Taylor Budowich, another longtime spokesperson, would be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.

Trump has not yet named his press secretary, though a number of names have been discussed.