President-elect Donald Trump on Friday chose one of his most combative advisers as his next White House communications director, doubling down on his years-long confrontational approach to the news media as his team defends two controversial Cabinet picks facing new scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Trump tapped Steven Cheung, the communications director of his campaign, to lead his White House press shop, elevating a loyal spokesman and former Ultimate Fighting Championship staffer known for lobbing crude insults on social media. Although many of Trump’s press aides aggressively criticize the news media and relish taunting Democrats, Cheung stands out. His selection suggests Trump’s approach to the news media will be just as contentious in his second term as it was in his first, when White House press briefings often grew heated – if they happened at all.
The Friday announcement capped a breakneck week of often-controversial picks to run Trump’s …