President Donald Trump has hired former Fox News executive Bill Shine to lead his communications team, the White House announced on Thursday.

“He brings over two decades of television programming, communications, and management experience to the role,” the White House said in a statement announcing the hire. Shine’s official title will be assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications.


Shine was forced out of Fox News in May 2017 over his handling of sexual harassment claims at the company. He will be the first official head of the White House communications department since longtime Trump aide Hope Hicks left the position in March.

Shine will be Trump’s fifth communications chief, succeeding Hicks, Anthony Scaramucci, Sean Spicer — who also worked as press secretary — and Michael Dubke.

The addition of Shine further solidifies Fox News’ relationship with the White House and also brings into the West Wing a target of the “Me Too” movement who could draw further attention to accusations by women against Trump.