Donald Trump appoints Gujarat origin Raj Shah to key White House position

Ahmedabad: US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Gujarat origin second generation Indian American Raj Shah as deputy assistant to the President and deputy communication director and research director, as per an announcement made by the Presidential Transition Team on Wednesday.

A second generation Indian American, Shah’s parents are from Mumbai having roots in Gujarat. His father came to the US for studies in 1970s, went back to India and after marriage, moved back to the US with his wife in late 70s.They lived in Chicago and then moved to Connecticut, where he was born and raised.

Raj who is in his early 30s played a leading role in the Republican party’s anti-Clinton campaign during polls. He is currently head of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee.

The announcement of Shah’s appointment to this key White House position was made by incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus along with other appointments.

“These individuals will be key leaders in helping to implement the President elect’s agenda and bring real change to Washington,” Priebus said.