Italian American Heritage Month: Dan Scavino

Daniel Joseph Scavino Jr, born on January 14, 1976, has long been a close and loyal ally of Donald Trump, rising from humble beginnings to one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Trump’s political orbit. Scavino is of Italian heritage. His great-grandfather immigrated to the United States from northern Italy through Ellis Island in the early 1900s, before the family settled in New York. 

Scavino’s first brush with Trump came as a teenager, when he worked as a golf caddie at a club that would later become the Trump National Golf Club in Westchester, New York. After graduating from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 1998 with a degree in communications, he briefly worked for companies like Coca-Cola and Galderma before returning to the Trump Organization. There, he steadily climbed the ranks—from assistant manager to general manager, and eventually executive vice president of the Westchester club by 2008.

His loyalty and understanding of Trump's brand eventually led him into politics. During Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Scavino joined as a social media aide, helping craft the combative and viral digital messaging that became a signature of the campaign. 

Following Trump’s election, he became the White House Director of Social Media, and later served as Senior Advisor for Digital Strategy. In April 2020, his role expanded again as he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications.

Scavino’s influence within Trump’s inner circle remained strong even after the 2020 election. Like many others in the politically-charged environment of the Biden era, he was subpoenaed by the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 demonstrations and later held in contempt of Congress. But in the end, the Department of Justice declined to prosecute Scavino.

In Trump’s second term, which began in 2025, Scavino returned to the White House as Deputy Chief of Staff. In August 2025, reports surfaced that he would take on a new role as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, overseeing staffing across the executive branch—a powerful position that reflects Trump’s continued trust in him. Currently, Scavino plays a large role in Trump's social media messaging.

Known for his loyalty, discretion, and deep understanding of Trump’s messaging style, Dan Scavino remains one of the most enduring and quietly influential figures in Trump’s political universe.