Alex Pfeiffer, the White House’s principal deputy communications director, departed the Trump administration in early September after less than nine months in the role, making him one of the most senior officials to leave during the second term. The 29-year-old joined Watchtower Strategy, a public affairs firm, as a managing director specializing in strategy and crisis communications.
Pfeiffer’s departure marks a significant exit from Trump’s communications team, which had experienced relatively low turnover compared to the chaotic first administration. During Trump’s initial term, roughly 35 percent of his top aides left their positions, according to the Brookings Institution, while his second term has remained comparatively stable.
The communications director began his tenure with the Trump operation in 2022, starting with the MAGA Inc. super PAC before joining the Trump campaign in West Palm Beach, Florida, in August 2024. He transitioned into the White House on Inauguration Day as deputy assistant to the president and principal deputy communications director, working under Communications Director Steven Cheung and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Arthur Schwartz, a partner at Watchtower Strategy, expressed enthusiasm about the hire, stating that Pfeiffer represents one of the most effective communicators in the Republican Party and that the firm looked forward to sharing his talents with clients.
Pfeiffer brings extensive experience in conservative media and political communications to his new role. He previously worked as an investigative and editorial producer for Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and served as a reporter at The Daily Caller before following Carlson to Fox News. His media background provided him with insights into messaging strategies and crisis communications that proved valuable during his time in both campaign and White House roles.
Watchtower Strategy, formed in January 2025, specializes in helping corporate executives navigate government relations and has established connections throughout Trump World, Capitol Hill leadership, and Fortune 100 companies. The firm’s leadership includes House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as chairman and Dan Conston as CEO, with partners Arthur Schwartz, Jeff Miller, Cliff Sims, and Brian O. Walsh.
During his time with Fox News, Pfeiffer’s private communications revealed through the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit showed his skepticism about election fraud claims that the network promoted publicly. In messages to Carlson during the January 6, 2021, broadcast, he blamed Trump for the events at the Capitol, indicating that millions believed the election was stolen because of the then-president’s statements and that Trump promoted the rally knowing it would be volatile.
Despite these private reservations, Pfeiffer remained with Fox News through early 2022, receiving a promotion to investigative and editorial producer in January 2021. He left the network in June 2022 to start his own communications firm before joining MAGA Inc. three months later alongside Trump loyalists Chris LaCivita, Steven Cheung, and Tony Fabrizio.
His transition from critic to supporter illustrates the complex relationships within Trump’s media and political ecosystem. At MAGA Inc., Pfeiffer worked alongside other Trump veterans to support the former president’s political activities, including fundraising efforts that brought in tens of millions of dollars from major Republican donors.
The super PAC gained attention for advertisements targeting President Biden’s age, including spots that aired before the State of the Union address. Pfeiffer’s role as communications director involved crafting messaging strategies and managing public relations efforts for the organization’s activities supporting Trump’s political ambitions.
When Trump expanded his campaign staff in August 2024, Pfeiffer joined several other operatives brought on as senior advisers, including Taylor Budowich, Alex Bruesewitz, Tim Murtaugh, and Corey Lewandowski. The campaign additions came as Trump sought to regain footing against Vice President Kamala Harris in fundraising and swing state polling.
Trump’s January 24, 2025, announcement of White House communications appointments formally established Pfeiffer’s role as deputy assistant to the president and principal deputy communications director. The appointment was part of a comprehensive staffing announcement that included positions across the communications office, public liaison, and cabinet affairs under the oversight of Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich.
Pfeiffer’s departure represents the loss of an experienced communications professional who understood both traditional media dynamics and modern political messaging. His move to the private sector allows him to leverage his government experience while working with corporate clients navigating the current political landscape in Washington.
