Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee whose party building was seen as integral to President-elect Donald Trump's stunning White House win, has been named White House chief of staff.



Priebus will serve alongside Trump campaign chief Steve Bannon, who was also tapped as senior counselor to Trump, the transition team announced on Sunday.

Bannon is CEO of right-wing website Breitbart News.

"I am thrilled to have my very successful team continue with me in leading our country," Trump said.

"Steve and Reince are highly qualified leaders who worked well together on our campaign and led us to a historic victory. Now I will have them both with me in the White House as we work to make America great again."



Preibus, a 44-year-old Wisconsin native, took the reins at the party organization in 2011, following the rough tenure of Michael Steele. Priebus was considered something of an unknown quantity, and is viewed with suspicion by some of the GOP's tea party wing.

Last week, a tea party activist told CNN that Priebus was a "Washington insider" who would undercut Trump's promise to end Washington corruption and special interests.



"It is truly an honor to join President-elect Trump in the White House as his Chief of Staff," Priebus said in a statement.

"I am very grateful to the President-elect for this opportunity to serve him and this nation as we work to create an economy that works for everyone, secure our borders, repeal and replace Obamacare and destroy radical Islamic terrorism," he added.