President Donald Trump has spent roughly 70 hours aboard Air Force One this month as he moves from rally to rally across the country, aiming to help Republicans hold on to Congress in the midterm elections. The people who join him on those flights range from senior officials to retired athletes.
Political scientist David Cohen of the University of Akron said the manifest can reveal the president's priorities. "Who he surrounds himself with are the people he is going to be listening to," Cohen said, describing them as the ones "whispering in his ear."
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who recently completed treatment for breast cancer, is a frequent passenger. Trump has called her the "most powerful woman in the world." After his 15th rally in 20 days, held in Greenville, North Carolina, Wiles told reporters the events had all been "great, honestly." Other senior figures who have flown include special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is working to end the Iran war that has hurt Republican prospects, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, and Cabinet members Scott Turner, Scott Bessent and Brooke Rollins.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been the Cabinet member aboard most often. A friend of Trump since the 1990s, he uses rally appearances to highlight new factory investments, which Trump cites to argue the economy is strong. Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has joined at least five legs, suggesting an influence beyond his title. He briefly served as acting director of national intelligence and has pressed Federal Reserve officials including Jerome Powell and Lisa Cook. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr flew on a West Coast swing on Oct. 13 and Oct. 14.
A circle of aides travels constantly with the president. Executive assistant Natalie Harp is on most trips, followed closely by Walt Nauta, director of Oval Office Operations, and his deputy Chamberlain Harris, who also sits on the Commission of Fine Arts. Speechwriting director Ross Worthington has flown repeatedly. Trump's stump speech promises $5,000 checks if Republicans keep their House and Senate majorities after the Nov. 3 vote. Communications staff including Margo Martin and Steven Cheung have also traveled, as has Katie Zacharia, who served five days as press secretary and spent two of them on a trip to Alaska, Nevada, Arizona and Montana.
Strategists are on board as well, among them political director Matt Brasseaux, formerly of the Republican National Committee. Johnny DeStefano, a top aide in Trump's first term, rejoined the White House this summer to work on midterm strategy, and former deputy chief of staff James Blair has also been seen on the plane.
Celebrities have made cameos at the rallies. Boxers Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Evander Holyfield have flown with the president, though not together. Tyson bit off part of Holyfield's right ear in a 1997 heavyweight bout. Others include NASCAR champion Richard Petty in North Carolina, former NFL coach Jon Gruden in Ohio, ex-running back Todd Gurley in Georgia, and influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Martha Kumar of Towson University said presidents often bring people who keep the mood relaxed. "You want some relief," she said.
Lawmakers have joined too. Jeff Freeland, the White House liaison to the House, has accompanied several. Representatives William Timmons, Beth Van Duyne, Brandon Gill, Brian Jack, Tim Moore and Anna Paulina Luna have flown with Trump, as have Sen. John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican senator, and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who is considering a 2028 presidential bid.
