A Look at Sean Hannity's Rising Role in Trump's World

President Trump and Sean Hannity talk early in the morning or late at night on the phone, discussing ideas for Hannity’s show, Trump’s frustration with the Mueller investigation, and when the president should tweet, reports The Washington Post. Trump has been known to cite Hannity when he is talking to White House advisers, and some White House aides have dubbed Hannity as the unofficial chief of staff. This week’s revelation that Trump and Hannity share an attorney is the newest sign of how Hannity has become an increasingly powerful confidant to the president. The Washington Post spoke to more than a dozen friends, advisers and associates of the two men to learn more.

“The bottom line is, during the heat of the campaign when relationships are forged, he was always there, offering good advice, in person and on television,” former deputy Trump campaign manager David Bossie said of Hannity to The Post. “The president sees him as an incredibly smart and articulate spokesman for the agenda.”

Hannity offers Trump what he wants: loyalty and a large audience. Trump has in turn directed viewers to Hannity’s show. The two speak several times a week, and Hannity always gets patched through immediately to Trump. According to one presidential adviser, the frequency of Hannity’s contact with Trump means that “he basically has a desk in the place.”