Trump taps top White House official to lead foreign aid agency

President Trump plans to nominate a top White House official to head an independent U.S. foreign aid agency, the White House announced Thursday.

Trump will nominate Sean Cairncross, a deputy assistant to the president and senior adviser to chief of staff John Kelly, to head the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an economic development agency aimed at alleviating poverty overseas. 

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Cairncross previously served as the chief operating officer at the Republican National Committee during the 2016 election. He also served as general counsel and deputy executive director for the GOP’s Senate campaign arm during the 2010 and 2012 cycles.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation was created by Congress in 2004 as part of an effort to deliver foreign aid and foster economic opportunities in developing nations. Cairncross’s nomination to lead the agency will have to be confirmed by the Senate.

The president’s announcement Thursday came along with appointments for other top administration posts, including new ambassadors to Barbados and Chile.