Final answer:
The White House staff consists of personally appointed officials who offer political advice to the President. These staff members, including key roles such as the national security advisor and the White House chief of staff, play a significant part in decision-making and shaping policy within the administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The White House Staff and Their Role The White House staff personally supports the president in various capacities, offering political and strategic advice. Serving under the Executive Office of the President (EOP), these individuals, including the national security advisor and the White House chief of staff, are central to the operation and messaging of the administration. Not subject to Senate approval, their positions are highly influential and often go beyond the ceremonial roles depicted in media. A historical expansion of this staff has occurred, starting from a few under President Abraham Lincoln, to multiple specialized roles encompassing over 450 White House employees and extending into nearby executive buildings. These staff members make many decisions and the structure of the White House Office (WHO) is complex, operating as a miniature bureaucracy with staffers for national security, health policy, and other specific areas. In recent history, the national security advisor has sometimes rivaled the Secretary of State in terms of foreign policy influence, showing the level of trust and responsibility the president places on personal advisors. It's notable that the current structure and organization of WHO have been consistent since the 1980s, despite the president's freedom to make changes. To stay up-to-date on the composition and roles within the EOP, the White House website offers detailed information about its councils and offices.