Schine Named Chief of Staff (PJW)

December 12, 1952
WASHINGTON: President-elect John Wayne has named Senator Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) White House Chief of Staff. This selection does not require a Senate confirmation, meaning McCarthy can begin serving as Chief of Staff as soon as Wayne is sworn in on January 20th.

"I am honored by President-elect Wayne's selection," McCarthy told reporters. "I first met McCarthy on the campaign trail this past summer. I already knew he was a vocal supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee, and that he was willing to take a hard stance on communism. But as soon as I shook hands and got to know the president on that summer day in Madison, I knew the man was a fighter. He wasn't going to stand by idly like the Truman Administration had. Wayne has firm ideals, and will stand by them."

The appointment has caused some controversy. McCarthy has been a major leader in anticommunism in the United States, but some fear his methods have gone too far.