The White House Internship Program is one of the most prestigious public service leadership programs in the United States. It provides a unique opportunity for young leaders to gain direct, hands-on professional experience inside the Executive Office of the President while developing critical leadership and public service skills.

This guide provides a complete overview of the program, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, internship departments, selection criteria, the Summer 2026 timeline, and frequently asked questions.

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Apply to be a White House Intern

The White House Internship Program is a public service leadership program that offers participants the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience while building leadership capacity at the highest level of national government.

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The mission of the program is to make the “People’s House” accessible to future leaders from across the nation. It is specifically designed to mentor and cultivate emerging leaders, deepen their understanding of the Executive Office, and prepare them for meaningful careers in public service.

The President, First Lady, and White House staff are committed to providing young leaders with hands-on experience through structured mentorship and real public service work. This internship is designed to cultivate leadership skills through meaningful, high-impact responsibilities.

A select group of young men and women from across the country dedicate their time, talent, energy, and service to support the daily operations of the White House. Intern assignments may include:

• Conducting policy and legislative research

• Managing and responding to incoming inquiries

• Attending briefings and meetings

• Writing memos and reports

• Staffing official White House events

Interns become full members of the White House team during their service.

Community, Leadership and Professional Development

Although daily responsibilities vary by department, all White House interns participate in weekly leadership development activities, including:

• Speaker series with senior officials

• Skills-based professional development sessions

• Community-building engagements

• Volunteer service projects

The internship experience places strong emphasis on community, leadership formation, and service to the nation.

Important Program Updates

• The Spring 2026 White House Internship Program selections are now complete.

• The Summer 2026 White House Internship Program will center on leadership development and community impact while honoring the historic role of the White House as a training ground for the next generation of leaders.

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Summer 2026 White House Internship Program Timeline

• Application Posted: December 1, 2025

• Application Deadline: January 5, 2026

• Acceptance Notifications Begin: February 9, 2026

• Internship Start Date: June 3, 2026

• Internship End Date: August 7, 2026

Presidential Departments Offering White House Internship Opportunities

The White House Internship Program places interns across a wide range of presidential offices and policy units. Below is the complete list of available internship departments.

Domestic Policy Council (DPC)

The Domestic Policy Council supervises the development, coordination, and execution of domestic policy at the White House. Interns work with staff on policy areas such as education, energy and the environment, healthcare, immigration, infrastructure, labor, transportation, urban affairs, and veterans’ affairs. Interns may also support speechwriting research and fact-checking.

National Economic Council (NEC)

The National Economic Council coordinates domestic and international economic policymaking and provides economic policy guidance to the President. Policy areas include healthcare, taxes and retirement, financial systems, macroeconomics, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, telecommunications, cybersecurity, energy and the environment, and trade. Interns assist with research, policy coordination, and administrative support.

Office of Cabinet Affairs

This office serves as the primary liaison between the President and Cabinet members. It coordinates communications, policy alignment, and logistics across federal agencies.

Office of Digital Strategy

The Office of Digital Strategy uses digital platforms to amplify the President’s message and engage citizens online. Interns assist with digital content creation, graphic design, and online audience engagement.

Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA)

This office builds relationships with governors, mayors, tribal leaders, and local governments nationwide. Interns assist with relationship management and incoming requests from public officials.

Office of the Second Lady

This office supports the Second Lady and her public initiatives. Interns assist with event coordination, outreach, policy-related projects, and daily operations.

White House Office of Legislative Affairs

This office advances the President’s legislative agenda on Capitol Hill. Interns assist with notifying members of Congress, legislative research, floor tracking, and staffing legislative events.

White House Management Office

This office manages operations, facilities, access coordination, administrative support, and special projects throughout the White House Complex.

White House Photo Office

This office documents the presidency through photography and visual storytelling. Interns assist with editing, photo database management, and administrative logistics. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and macOS is required.

White House Visitors Office

The Visitors Office manages White House tours, seasonal programs, South Lawn events, and garden tours. Interns assist with event logistics and daily office operations.

Office of Political Affairs (OPA)

This office develops and advances partnerships supporting the President’s agenda. Interns assist with political research, constituency outreach, and opinion analysis.

Office of Presidential Advance

This office plans and executes presidential travel and official events in the United States and internationally. Interns assist with logistics, coordination, and event execution.

Office of Presidential Correspondence

This office manages communication between the President and the public, including letters, emails, calls, gifts, proclamations, and messages. Interns assist with facilitation and response coordination across federal agencies.

Office of Presidential Personnel

This office oversees the presidential appointment process across the Executive Branch. Interns support candidate reviews, agency coordination, and confirmation preparation.

Office of Public Liaison (OPL)

The Office of Public Liaison serves as the primary communication bridge between the White House and the public. Interns assist with managing relationships with community organizations and coordinating events.

Office of Speechwriting

This office researches, prepares, and drafts the President’s speeches. Interns assist with background research and observe the speechwriting process firsthand.

Office of the First Lady

This office supports the First Lady’s official initiatives and public engagements across the White House Complex and the nation.

Office of the Staff Secretary

This office prepares the daily briefing book and coordinates presidential actions, speeches, correspondence, and press releases. Interns assist with document review, editing, and clearance coordination.

Office of the Vice President

This office supports Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. Internship placements are available in the following units:

• Office of Administration

• Office of Advance for the Vice President

• Office of Communications

• Office of Counsel to the Vice President

• Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

• Office of Domestic Policy

• Office of Correspondence

Office of Communications

This office crafts the President’s messaging strategy across research, broadcast, and digital platforms. Interns assist with research, content development, and communications strategy.

White House Press Office

The Press Office works directly with domestic and international media. Interns assist with press coordination, communications support, and media engagement in a fast-paced environment.

Office of White House Counsel

This office advises the President and White House staff on legal issues involving law, policy, and political matters. Interns assist with legal research and administrative coordination.

Office of Presidential Scheduling

This office manages the President’s daily schedule, meetings, and public engagements on and off the White House Complex through coordination with security, military, and senior staff.

White House Travel Office (WHTO)

The Travel Office manages all presidential travel logistics, including transportation, accommodations, visas, per diem, and press coordination.

Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy (OTMP)

This office advises on policies related to U.S. manufacturing, trade, tariffs, and defense industrial capacity. Interns assist with policy research and coordination.

National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC)

Established by Executive Order, the NEDC supports domestic energy production and policy initiatives to strengthen national economic security and global energy leadership.

White House Internship Program Selection Process

The White House Internship Program selection process is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on:

• A demonstrated commitment to public service

• Proven leadership experience

• A commitment to the mission of the Trump Administration

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Must be U.S. citizens

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Must meet at least one of the following educational or service requirements:

1. Currently enrolled in a college or university and have completed two semesters prior to the internship start date

2. Graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree program no more than two years before the program start date

3. A veteran of the United States Armed Forces with a high school diploma who served on active duty within the past two years

All applicants are subject to drug testing and national security screening.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a White House internship a paid position?

No. White House internships are unpaid. Interns may seek external funding or educational assistance with prior approval.

What are the expected working hours?

Interns work Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Interns must work at least 4.5 days per week to maintain full-time status.

Is housing provided?

No. Interns must arrange and fund their own housing.

Is political preference used in the selection process?

Political preference is not a deciding factor. However, applicants must demonstrate dedication to the mission of the White House.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. All applications must be submitted online through the official application portal.

Who should submit my recommendation letters?

Recommendation letters may be written by anyone who can speak to your qualifications, leadership ability, character, and public service commitment. All letters must be submitted as PDF files through the application portal.

Will late recommendation letters be accepted?

No. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the official deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

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