Speculation About White House Jobs Can Be as Exciting as the Positions Themselves
A long-standing tradition in Washington is reaching its zenith as Trump 2.0 draws near.
TroibNews 
As Kevin McCarthy’s name floated for months as a potential “dark horse candidate” to become Donald Trump’s chief of staff, the former House speaker neither fully embraced the speculation nor openly dismissed it.
This ambiguous stance aligns with a long-standing tradition in Washington, which has intensified as Trump’s second inauguration approaches. Individuals in the private sector often benefit from being mentioned for high-level administration roles, even if such discussions are largely speculative.
In essence, if the buzz doesn’t lead to a new job, the mere association with power can translate into new business opportunities. Being considered for an administration position can carry almost as much weight as securing the role.
This practice is a typical feature of a new administration's launch, though few individuals openly acknowledge employing such tactics. A fresh wave of characters is maneuvering to be seen as connected to the incoming White House, hoping to extract substantial sums from those eager to influence policy. While McCarthy may not be actively lobbying, his name being floated for a major White House position could enhance his visibility for paid speaking engagements.
Specifically, lobbyists and business consultants are eager to capitalize on any ties they can establish with the president’s inner circle. Jeff Forbes, the founder of the lobbying firm Forbes Tate Partners, noted that this approach is a well-established public relations strategy for those aiming to expand their business within the Beltway.
“This is one of the oldest games in Washington,” the lobbyist remarked. “Best-case scenario you’re picked, and worst-case scenario you end up looking pretty attractive to potential clients.”
The current landscape is particularly advantageous for those well-versed in the Trump orbit. Ivan Adler, a recruiter known as the “Lobbyist Hunter,” remarked on the significant interest in individuals with connections to the soon-to-be president. During Trump’s previous administration, business thrived for lobbyists close to him, allowing figures like Brian Ballard and Jeff Miller to establish influential firms in Washington.
Another element to consider is when a lobbyist’s colleague earns a notable position within the administration; this can enhance the lobbyist's value by providing an inside connection to the White House. Consequently, decisions regarding personnel can significantly impact relationships within K Street.
“Everyone's got a different approach to marketing, but that’s just what it is: marketing,” explained a longtime Republican lobbyist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It’s a tale as old as time.”
Names frequently resurface as potential candidates leading up to a Republican Inauguration Day. Among these is Wayne Berman, head of government affairs for Blackstone, rumored for the deputy Treasury secretary role. Former Trump Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, now a policy adviser at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, has been suggested as a possible sleeper candidate for chief of staff, attorney general, or Interior secretary.
“Being perceived as being plugged in with a new in-crowd is good for business and social invitations,” said Bruce Mehlman, a Republican lobbyist who operates his own firm, clarifying that he does not use such tactics himself. “That’s just a truism that we know.”
The Washington D.C. strategy of name-floating is not new, yet it carries risks, especially within Trump’s circles, where outpacing the president or prioritizing personal ambitions over his could be viewed as severe missteps.
Trump has a reputation for being particularly hostile to those deemed as media leak sources, and Trump allies often express skepticism toward individuals hinting of their own potential roles. Despite its effectiveness as a marketing tool, allies contend that such strategies do not accurately reflect genuine influence.
“People use [the] transition to gin up their profile knowing full well that they have no opportunity to join this transition,” said one former campaign official. “I think people need to be skeptical when they read names.”
Gaining press recognition provides further perks beyond immediate financial benefits. It can lead to more exclusive party invitations and enhance one’s standing among peers. Recently, a group of Trump allies chuckled over Representative Thomas Massie’s name being floated for Agriculture Secretary, as he had previously supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary and was apparently aiming to rebuild his image.
“People who float their names out are not in the mix,” stated a former Trump administration staffer who is now a lobbyist. These individuals typically “aren't as close to the center” as they would suggest. “I think you'll have a lot of those types in this administration.”
Even prior to the election, a person close to McCarthy indicated that the former Speaker was content with his new role outside of government, despite his name still being linked to various positions.
“I still think he’s pretty happy,” said the individual familiar with McCarthy.
There remains the potential for McCarthy to benefit after transitioning from his gavel to a different kind of speaking role. The former California congressman has engaged an agency to assist in securing speaking engagements, with clients that include the American Hospital Association, the French bank BNP Paribas, and snack industry trade group SNAC International.
McCarthy spent years working to mend his relationship with Trump following their falling out after McCarthy publicly attributed some blame for the January 6 Capitol riot to Trump. After being ousted from his position, McCarthy's influence in Washington diminished significantly.
However, in recent times, he has rebuilt his rapport with the incoming president. Having his name in consideration for chief of staff provides a renewed sense of relevance.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
This ambiguous stance aligns with a long-standing tradition in Washington, which has intensified as Trump’s second inauguration approaches. Individuals in the private sector often benefit from being mentioned for high-level administration roles, even if such discussions are largely speculative.
In essence, if the buzz doesn’t lead to a new job, the mere association with power can translate into new business opportunities. Being considered for an administration position can carry almost as much weight as securing the role.
This practice is a typical feature of a new administration's launch, though few individuals openly acknowledge employing such tactics. A fresh wave of characters is maneuvering to be seen as connected to the incoming White House, hoping to extract substantial sums from those eager to influence policy. While McCarthy may not be actively lobbying, his name being floated for a major White House position could enhance his visibility for paid speaking engagements.
Specifically, lobbyists and business consultants are eager to capitalize on any ties they can establish with the president’s inner circle. Jeff Forbes, the founder of the lobbying firm Forbes Tate Partners, noted that this approach is a well-established public relations strategy for those aiming to expand their business within the Beltway.
“This is one of the oldest games in Washington,” the lobbyist remarked. “Best-case scenario you’re picked, and worst-case scenario you end up looking pretty attractive to potential clients.”
The current landscape is particularly advantageous for those well-versed in the Trump orbit. Ivan Adler, a recruiter known as the “Lobbyist Hunter,” remarked on the significant interest in individuals with connections to the soon-to-be president. During Trump’s previous administration, business thrived for lobbyists close to him, allowing figures like Brian Ballard and Jeff Miller to establish influential firms in Washington.
Another element to consider is when a lobbyist’s colleague earns a notable position within the administration; this can enhance the lobbyist's value by providing an inside connection to the White House. Consequently, decisions regarding personnel can significantly impact relationships within K Street.
“Everyone's got a different approach to marketing, but that’s just what it is: marketing,” explained a longtime Republican lobbyist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It’s a tale as old as time.”
Names frequently resurface as potential candidates leading up to a Republican Inauguration Day. Among these is Wayne Berman, head of government affairs for Blackstone, rumored for the deputy Treasury secretary role. Former Trump Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, now a policy adviser at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, has been suggested as a possible sleeper candidate for chief of staff, attorney general, or Interior secretary.
“Being perceived as being plugged in with a new in-crowd is good for business and social invitations,” said Bruce Mehlman, a Republican lobbyist who operates his own firm, clarifying that he does not use such tactics himself. “That’s just a truism that we know.”
The Washington D.C. strategy of name-floating is not new, yet it carries risks, especially within Trump’s circles, where outpacing the president or prioritizing personal ambitions over his could be viewed as severe missteps.
Trump has a reputation for being particularly hostile to those deemed as media leak sources, and Trump allies often express skepticism toward individuals hinting of their own potential roles. Despite its effectiveness as a marketing tool, allies contend that such strategies do not accurately reflect genuine influence.
“People use [the] transition to gin up their profile knowing full well that they have no opportunity to join this transition,” said one former campaign official. “I think people need to be skeptical when they read names.”
Gaining press recognition provides further perks beyond immediate financial benefits. It can lead to more exclusive party invitations and enhance one’s standing among peers. Recently, a group of Trump allies chuckled over Representative Thomas Massie’s name being floated for Agriculture Secretary, as he had previously supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary and was apparently aiming to rebuild his image.
“People who float their names out are not in the mix,” stated a former Trump administration staffer who is now a lobbyist. These individuals typically “aren't as close to the center” as they would suggest. “I think you'll have a lot of those types in this administration.”
Even prior to the election, a person close to McCarthy indicated that the former Speaker was content with his new role outside of government, despite his name still being linked to various positions.
“I still think he’s pretty happy,” said the individual familiar with McCarthy.
There remains the potential for McCarthy to benefit after transitioning from his gavel to a different kind of speaking role. The former California congressman has engaged an agency to assist in securing speaking engagements, with clients that include the American Hospital Association, the French bank BNP Paribas, and snack industry trade group SNAC International.
McCarthy spent years working to mend his relationship with Trump following their falling out after McCarthy publicly attributed some blame for the January 6 Capitol riot to Trump. After being ousted from his position, McCarthy's influence in Washington diminished significantly.
However, in recent times, he has rebuilt his rapport with the incoming president. Having his name in consideration for chief of staff provides a renewed sense of relevance.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
