John Rogers, the executive vice president and secretary to the board of directors at Goldman Sachs, is currently advising former and incoming first lady Melania Trump on staffing the East Wing for Donald Trump’s second term. This advisory role is being carried out in Rogers' personal capacity while he continues to fulfill his responsibilities at the bank. The relationship between Rogers and Mrs. Trump has developed through Rogers' position as chairman of the White House Historical Association.
As Melania Trump prepares to expand her team for the upcoming term, questions have arisen regarding the staffing of the East Wing. During Trump's first term, the East Wing operated with a minimal staff of fewer than a dozen full-time employees. Melania Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with aides she perceived as disloyal, such as Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who recorded the former first lady expressing frustration over criticism of her husband's policies.
In a recent interview, Melania Trump emphasized the importance of having a team that shares her vision and is dedicated to serving both her and the country. President-elect Trump has historically viewed a background that includes experience at Goldman Sachs as a desirable qualification for potential hires. Notable figures who have transitioned from the bank to roles in the Trump administration include Gary Cohn, Dina Powell McCormick, and Steven Mnuchin.
With John Rogers now offering guidance on staffing decisions for Melania Trump, the East Wing's team composition for the upcoming term is expected to reflect a strategic approach aligned with the first lady's objectives and priorities.
