Donald Trump is bringing back one of his top advisers from 2016 as he works to regain momentum against Kamala Harris in the race for the White House. 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski is back and will join the campaign’s senior leadership team, according to Politico. This decision comes amid concerns from some Republicans that Trump has fallen behind Vice President Kamala Harris in fundraising and polling in swing states.
Lewandowski isn’t the only new addition. Tim Murtaugh, the communications director from Trump’s 2020 campaign, is also joining, along with Alex Pfeiffer and Alex Bruesewitz, who were top officials with the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. super PAC. Bruesewitz, known for his strong social media presence, is expected to enhance the campaign’s outreach efforts. Politico recently reported that Taylor Budowich, who had been leading MAGA Inc., has also moved to a senior role within Trump’s campaign.
“These additions are not a shakeup but a reinforcement of our campaign leadership as we approach the critical final months of the election,” Trump’s co-campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a statement. “Corey Lewandowski, Taylor Budowich, Alex Pfeiffer, Alex Bruesewitz, and Tim Murtaugh are all veterans of prior Trump campaigns, and their unmatched experience will help President Trump make the case against Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the most radical ticket in American history.”
Lewandowski’s return to an official role in Trump’s campaign is particularly significant. In 2021, he was removed from a top position in a pro-Trump super PAC after being accused by Trashelle Odom, the wife of a donor, of making unwanted sexual advances at a charity dinner in Las Vegas. At the time, a spokesperson for Trump said that “Trump World” was no longer associated with Lewandowski. However, Trump’s loyalty to Lewandowski has persisted, as demonstrated by his involvement in the 2024 Republican National Convention and consulting work for the Republican National Committee.
Despite some of his most ardent supporters criticizing their work, Trump has voiced strong support for his current campaign leadership. “Susie is fantastic, as you know. And Chris is fantastic. They are leading it,” Trump said during a press conference at his Bedminster resort on Thursday night. He also mentioned that Lewandowski would serve as a “personal envoy or he’ll be at some level.”
Trump is famous for making changes at the top of his teams, both during his campaigns for president and while serving in the White House.
