Steven Cheung has worked with Donald Trump on all his presidential campaigns.

Washington, D.C. — In the combative arena of Donald Trump’s political machine, few figures embody the campaign’s aggressive ethos as vividly as Steven Cheung, the White House Communications Director dubbed the “Sumo Wrestler” for his relentless, confrontational style.

Cheung, a long-time Trump loyalist, has been a fixture in the former president’s orbit since the 2016 campaign, steering the communications strategy through a storm of controversies with a brashness that mirrors Trump’s own. Yet, his tenure is marred by allegations of misconduct and a polarizing approach that critics argue undermines the dignity of his office.

Cheung’s journey to the White House began in an unlikely setting: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he honed his skills in high-stakes public relations. His appetite for combat was evident early on, managing media for fighters whose brash personas foreshadowed the tone he’d bring to Trump’s campaigns.

By 2016, Cheung had joined Trump’s team, quickly earning a reputation for his willingness to clash with reporters and deflect criticism with sharp-tongued retorts. His aggressive tactics, often laced with mockery, became a hallmark of Trump’s media strategy, amplified on platforms like X, where Cheung’s meme-heavy posts aim to galvanize supporters but frequently alienate detractors.

As White House Communications Director in Trump’s second term, Cheung’s influence is undeniable.

He shapes a social media presence that thrives on provocation, prioritizing viral moments over substantive policy discussions. Critics point to his casual, sometimes crude style as emblematic of a broader erosion of decorum in political discourse. “Cheung’s approach is less about informing the public and more about owning the libs,” said political analyst Laura Bennett. “It’s a strategy that plays well with Trump’s base but risks alienating anyone seeking clarity or civility.”

Cheung’s tenure has not been without scandal.

In 2024, reports surfaced alleging he physically confronted an Arlington National Cemetery employee during a Trump campaign event, an incident tied to accusations of exploiting Gold Star families for photo opportunities. The episode, widely discussed on X, fueled outrage among veterans’ groups and intensified scrutiny of Cheung’s conduct. While he dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” the incident cemented his image as a lightning rod for controversy, unapologetic even in the face of serious accusations.

His defenders, however, see Cheung’s aggression as a necessary counterweight to a hostile media landscape. “Steven doesn’t play by the establishment’s rules, and that’s why he’s effective,” said a Trump campaign insider. “He fights fire with fire, and in Trump’s world, that’s what wins.” Supporters argue that Cheung’s outsider status—his lack of traditional political polish—makes him uniquely suited to channel Trump’s populist energy, particularly on X, where his posts often rack up thousands of reposts from loyalists.

Yet, Cheung’s combative style raises questions about its long-term impact.

Political strategists warn that his reliance on divisive rhetoric could deepen polarization, making governance harder in an already fractured nation. “Cheung’s tactics might rally the base, but they don’t build coalitions,” said Bennett. “When every statement is a jab, you risk losing the ability to persuade.” His approach also draws criticism for sidelining policy substance in favor of spectacle, a charge that resonates as Trump’s administration navigates complex challenges like economic recovery and international relations.

Cheung’s personal history adds another layer of complexity.

Raised in California, he entered politics with a scrappy, underdog mentality, traits that align with Trump’s narrative of battling elites. But his past, including his UFC days, has been scrutinized for clues about his combative nature. Critics argue that his “Sumo Wrestler” moniker, while a nod to his tenacity, trivializes the gravity of his role. “This isn’t a cage fight,” said Democratic strategist Mark Rivera. “The White House demands more than bravado.”

As Trump’s second term unfolds, Cheung remains a polarizing figure, embodying the unyielding spirit of a campaign that thrives on conflict. His supporters see him as a fearless warrior in a media war; his critics, a symptom of a coarsening political culture. Whether his approach will sustain Trump’s agenda or backfire remains unclear, but one thing is certain: Steven Cheung, the “Sumo Wrestler,” is not stepping out of the ring anytime soon.

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Tags: Steven Cheung, Donald Trump, Communications Director,
controversy, politics, Trump campaign, White House