With Confirmation Hearings Looming, Trump Team Orders Online Silence from All Nominees: Report

Donald Trump’s incoming administration is implementing strict communication protocols, as President-elect Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has reportedly instructed nominees requiring Senate confirmation to avoid posting on social media platforms.

"While this instruction has been delivered previously, I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,” Wiles emphasized in a memo obtained by the New York Post.

She further added, "Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel."

Despite the stern tone of the directive, Wiles struck a more positive note by expressing appreciation for the enthusiasm of those joining the second Trump administration.

“I appreciate how enthusiastic everyone is” about being part of this new chapter, she noted.

A review of social media activity from some of the more high-profile and potentially contentious nominees — including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services, Tulsi Gabbard for director of National Intelligence, and Pete Hegseth for secretary of Defense — indicates compliance with the directive.

For instance, RFK Jr.’s most recent post, shared last Friday, featured a photo from a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado. Gabbard shared a festive Christmas message alongside a picture with her husband on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Hegseth reposted a supportive statement from Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna on Thursday.

The Senate is scheduled to begin confirmation hearings next week following the swearing-in of the new Congress.

With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority over Democrats, nominees can afford to lose up to three GOP votes and still secure confirmation, thanks to Vice President J.D. Vance's tie-breaking vote.

Wiles, who played a pivotal role as co-chair of Trump’s disciplined and victorious presidential campaign, appears committed to ensuring strict messaging discipline as nominees navigate the confirmation process.

Trump made headlines in November by naming Wiles as the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again,” Trump remarked at the time.

Although Wiles has been active in Florida politics for years, her last significant role in Washington dates back to the Reagan administration, where she worked as a campaign scheduler during Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and later served in the Labor Department.