President Joe Biden’s personal aide Stephen Goepfert will depart from the White House at the end of the week for the Department of Transportation.
Mr Goepfert has worked with Mr Biden since the early days of his 2020 presidential campaign. He is usually photographed in alongside the president.
“From the campaign to the White House, Stephen Goepfert has been by my side,” Mr Biden said in a statement. “In moments big, small, and extraordinary, he’s been a trusted and loyal confidant who everyone counts on and who always delivers. Jill and I will miss Stephen, but we’re proud that he will continue to serve the American people in his new role in the Biden-Harris administration as he continues his career in public service.”
Mr Gopefert will be replaced by White House receptionist Jacob Spreyer. A presidential body man is often at the president’s side at all times, setting up speeches on the presidential podium or passing notes. They accompany the president on all trips foreign and domestic.
“I have worked with and seen many body people over the years, Stephen is at the top,” White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said. “It’s a tough and grueling job, and no one has done it with the competence, kindness, and warmth that he has.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Goepfert was often the only aide who was with Mr Biden physically most days to set up Zoom calls and interviews.
“You’re literally at the border of where the President’s privacy and public duties sit – you have to have the right touch and right skill set,” Biden aide Steve Richetti, who serves as a counselor to the president, said. “Stephen has had the ability and the willingness to help the President navigate everything he did throughout the day. That ends up being a critical role.”
Mr Goepfert was also the first openly gay person to hold the role.
“Representation matters and that’s so important to him,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre said.
