Which role does the Chief of Staff serve in relation to the President?

The Chief of Staff serves a crucial role as a gatekeeper for access to the President. In this capacity, the Chief of Staff manages the White House staff and oversees the flow of information and people to the President. This includes determining which issues or individuals are prioritized and thus allows the Chief of Staff to filter requests for the President’s time and attention. By controlling access, the Chief of Staff ensures that the President can focus on the most important matters while also managing the daily operations of the executive office. This role is pivotal in shaping the President’s agenda and enhancing their ability to govern effectively.

While the remaining roles touch on significant aspects of presidential function, they do not align with the specific duties assigned to the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff does not serve as a liaison to foreign governments; that responsibility typically falls to the Secretary of State. The Chief of Staff is also not the head of the Department of Justice, as that is the Attorney General's role. Similarly, acting as a spokesperson for the President is primarily the function of the White House Press Secretary. Thus, the specific function of gatekeeping underscores the authority and responsibilities inherent in the Chief of Staff position.