The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency

An examination of White House Chiefs of Staff and their influence on presidential history and governance. The role of chief of staff became formalized in the twentieth century as the second most powerful position in government. As the president's closest adviser and often the only person present during critical decisions, the chief of staff wields significant power despite being unelected and unconfirmed. Chris Whipple draws on extensive interviews with eighteen chiefs of staff, including Reince Priebus, and two former presidents to provide behind-the-scenes accounts of this influential role. The book explores how specific chiefs shaped major historical events, including how one chief contributed to the Reagan Revolution and how more effective leadership in the role might have altered outcomes of Watergate and the Iraq War. A chapter examines the dysfunction within the Trump White House.