The first lady, Melania Trump, today announced the hiring as chief steward of the White House to Timothy Harleth, who until recently was director of rooms at the Trump International Hotel in Washington.
“I am delighted that Timothy joins our team and selected him for his impressive work history and managerial skills.” My husband and I know he will succeed in his vital role within the White House, “said the President’s wife , Donald Trump said in a statement.
Harleth thus replaces Angella Reid, who had held the position during the presidency of Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, and had been the first woman to hold the position.
The new chief butler, who will begin his work this July 3, will have under his leadership 90 employees in the presidential residence.
Prior to his employment at the Trump International Hotel, an establishment of the president’s family business located a few blocks from the White House, Harleth had worked at the Mandarin Oriental hotels in Washington and New York.
“I look forward to applying my experience in hospitality, leadership and protocol to ensure the needs of the presidential family are met, as well as protecting and preserving the rich history of the White House,” Harleth said in a statement.
The announcement coincides with the official transfer to Washington to live in the White House of Melania Trump and his son Barron, after he finished the school year in New York.