The West Wing of the White House has long been recognized as the epicenter of power, housing the offices of the most influential figures in the U.S. government. In President Donald Trump’s second term, the significance of this proximity to power has intensified. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has pledged to manage the White House with a disciplined approach, markedly more structured than during Trump's first term. This shift in management style has led to a notable decrease in the number of individuals with “walk-in” privileges — those who can enter the Oval Office without a prior appointment.
In Trump’s second administration, access to the Oval Office is more exclusive. According to multiple sources from the Trump administration and close associates of the president, nearly all officials with offices on the first floor, as well as many on the second floor, are granted this coveted access. However, most still prefer to schedule appointments before meeting the president. Some aides based in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, including tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and Sergio Gor, the director of the Presidential Personnel Office, also enjoy the privilege of walk-in access.
Unlike his first term, President Trump has surrounded himself with a cadre of loyal advisers. The majority of those working in the West Wing have previously collaborated with him, whether through his 2024 campaign, during his first administration, or both. This time around, Trump’s team is largely ideologically aligned with him, making them less likely to challenge his key policy decisions. Prominent figures include Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff, whose office is closest to the Oval, and James Blair, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs, who now occupies the office once held by Steve Bannon.
Wiles, whom Trump has recently dubbed “the most powerful woman in the world,” occupies the office traditionally held by male chiefs of staff. Her influence is felt throughout the West Wing, where Vice President JD Vance and his chief of staff, Jacob Reses, are also located. The national security adviser, Mike Waltz, has his office nearby, further solidifying the strategic positioning of key figures in the administration.
Within the heart of the West Wing, deputy chief of staff for operations Beau Harrison and assistant to the president Robert Gabriel hold key positions next to the Roosevelt Room and lobby. Interestingly, neither holds walk-in privileges to the Oval Office, along with several others in the administration. The communications team occupies prime real estate, with deputy chief of staff for communications Taylor Budowich claiming the largest office, formerly designated for the White House press secretary.
Four of Trump’s most frequently traveling aides have their offices directly off the Oval Office, known internally as the outer Oval. This group includes special assistant Margo Martin, who documents Trump’s engagements on social media; Natalie Harp, a former anchor who assists with Trump’s social media posts; Walt Nauta, the presidential valet; and Chamberlain Harris, the president’s receptionist. Trump often interacts with this team directly from his desk, reminiscent of his previous working relationships.
Some of Trump’s most influential advisers can be found on the second floor, including deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, who retained his office from the first term. Other notable figures include David Warrington, White House counsel, and Nick Luna, deputy chief of staff for strategic implementation. As Trump approaches his first 100 days in office, many offices on this floor remain vacant.
Among the notable figures in the basement of the White House is special envoy Steve Witkoff, instrumental in negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and Russia. Other key personnel in the lower levels include Tom Homan, the border czar, and Will Scharf, the staff secretary responsible for presenting executive actions to the president. In a unique arrangement, Paula White-Cain, Trump’s long-term spiritual adviser, also has her own office in the basement.
