Sean Spicer

Sean Spicer
Name	Sean Spicer
Birth name	Sean Michael Spicer
Birth date	23 September 1971
Birth place	Manhattan, New York City, New York
Occupation	Political strategist, communications director, author
Years active	1996–present
Spouse	Karen Schindler

Sean Spicer is an American communications strategist and political aide who served as White House Press Secretary and Communications Director during the administration of Donald Trump. Prior to his White House tenure he worked on multiple Republican campaigns and within the United States Department of the Treasury and the Republican National Committee. His public profile increased sharply during the 2017 White House press briefings and ensuing media coverage, after which he pursued media appearances, authored a memoir, and engaged in public speaking.

Early life and education

Born in Manhattan, New York City, and raised in Middletown Township, New Jersey, Spicer attended Christian Brothers Academy (New Jersey), where he participated in student government and athletics. He graduated from Union College (New York) with a Bachelor of Science in political science and government, and later earned a Master of Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. During his studies he participated in internships and programs connected to New Jersey state politics and conservative organizations.

Career before the White House

Spicer began his professional career working for the Republican National Committee and Republican campaigns, including the George W. Bush 2000 presidential campaign and the George W. Bush 2004 presidential campaign. He served on the staff of Representative Jim Saxton and worked at the RNC before taking posts within the George W. Bush administration at the United States Department of the Treasury during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. He later joined the communications team at the National Rifle Association of America and the National Association of Manufacturers, and was communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Spicer also worked on the 2012 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney and participated in outreach with policy organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute.

White House tenure

In December 2016, Spicer was appointed White House Press Secretary and Communications Director in the administration of Donald Trump. As Press Secretary he led the White House press briefings, issued official statements, and coordinated messaging across executive offices including the Office of the Vice President (United States) and the National Security Council (United States). His tenure featured public defense of administration statements on topics ranging from the 2016 United States presidential election turnout to foreign policy positions involving Russia–United States relations and negotiations with leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. Spicer's tenure included high-profile exchanges with journalists from outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and Fox News. He resigned in July 2017 and was succeeded in part by Anthony Scaramucci and Sarah Huckabee Sanders in communications roles.

Post-White House activities

After leaving the White House, Spicer authored a memoir and appeared on television and radio programs including ABC News, MSNBC, and CNN. He participated in speaking engagements at events featuring organizations such as the Republican Jewish Coalition and conservative conferences including CPAC. Spicer appeared on entertainment programs including Dancing with the Stars and worked with communications firms and political consultancies advising candidates and corporate clients. He also contributed to discussions at policy forums hosted by institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School panels and participated in interviews for publications like Politico and The Hill.

Public image and controversies

Spicer became a polarizing figure due to contentious exchanges during press briefings, widely discussed statements about 2016 United States presidential election attendance figures, and comments regarding Nazi and Holocaust references in political discourse. His role was frequently covered by major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic, and parodied on programs such as Saturday Night Live and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. He faced criticism from journalists in organizations including the Society of Professional Journalists and advocacy groups such as the Anti-Defamation League. Spicer defended administration policies on issues related to immigration policy and healthcare reform, which provoked responses from legislative actors including members of United States Congress and state governors.

Personal life

Spicer is married to Karen Schindler, a former congressional staffer and lobbyist. The couple has two children and has resided in the Washington metropolitan area. He has cited influences from mentors in Republican politics such as Karl Rove and colleagues across conservative institutions including the American Legislative Exchange Council. Spicer's public engagements have included charity events and veterans' support initiatives, and he has occasionally lectured at universities and think tanks including Georgetown University and American University.

Category:Living people Category:1971 births Category:American political advisors Category:People from Manhattan Category:Princeton University alumni