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Trump chooses Sean Spicer for press secretary

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump named Republican National Committee official Sean Spicer White House press secretary, filling what is likely to be a challenging position given Trump's sometimes hostile relationship with the media and his propensity to bypass staff to communicate directly with the public on Twitter.

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump named Republican National Committee official Sean Spicer White House press secretary, filling what is likely to be a challenging position given Trump's sometimes hostile relationship with the media and his propensity to bypass staff to communicate directly with the public on Twitter.

Spicer, the RNC's communications director since 2011 and chief strategist since 2015, has become an increasingly visible presence on Trump's team since the GOP nominee won the election on Nov. 8. He helps to lead daily transition press calls alongside Jason Miller, who was named communications director on Thursday.

Trump also announced that longtime aide Hope Hicks, his campaign press secretary, will serve as director of strategic communications, and Dan Scavino will continue his current role as director of social media.

Spicer, Miller, Hicks and Scavino will all hold the title of assistant to the president, in addition to their other titles.

"Sean, Hope, Jason and Dan have been key members of my team during the campaign and transition," Trump said in a statement. "I am excited they will be leading the team that will communicate my agenda that will Make America Great Again."

The announcement left open how Spicer, Miller and Hicks will divide up the communications work. Traditionally, the White House press secretary has served as the main conduit between the president and global media through daily news conferences.

Trump Chief of Staff Reince Priebus suggested last week that this practice could change in the new administration.

"Look, I think that many things have to change, and I think that it's important that we look at all of those traditions that are great, but quite frankly, as you know, don't really make news," Priebus said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

"And you know, even looking at things like the daily White House briefing from the press secretary, I mean, there's a lot of different ways that things can be done, and I can assure you we're looking at that."

The comments raised questions among transparency and press freedom advocates already concerned by limitations placed on the media by Trump's team.