A familiar figure in Florida politics may be returning to the statewide political scene sooner than later.
Brian Hughes, who most recently has served as chief of staff at The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, says he’s exiting that role and preparing for his next move.
“As 2025 comes to a close, so does a remarkable two-and-a-half-year chapter serving alongside President Trump and an extraordinary group of colleagues,” Hughes posted Friday night to LinkedIn.
Hughes notes in the post that he joined the Trump campaign after leaving his position as Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer, serving as Director of the Florida operation and a senior advisor nationally, then as communications director during the transition.
“Following the 2024 election, I served as Communications Director for the Trump-Vance transition and then was commissioned a Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor under Mike Waltz. Long days in the West Wing came with the responsibility—and privilege—of advancing peace through strength and protecting our nation,” Hughes recounts.
As Waltz moved to a different role in the administration, Hughes’ progress continued.
“In May, a lifelong dream was realized when I became Chief of Staff at NASA. During a period of transition, I was honored to help provide steady leadership and then work closely with Jared Isaacman through his Senate confirmation and first days at the helm. NASA is entering an exciting new era under Jared and President Trump.”
A “deeply grateful” Hughes suggests he is returning to the private sector.
A “new chapter will be announced soon—one focused on supporting entrepreneurs, causes, and candidates I believe in, and I look forward to sharing what’s next,” he says.
