Don McGahn

Don McGahn
Name	Don McGahn
Birth date	1968
Birth place	Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Lawyer
Known for	White House Counsel (2017–2018)

Don McGahn is an American attorney who served as White House Counsel to President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2018. He previously worked as a partner at the law firm Jones Day and as general counsel for the Republican National Committee. McGahn became a central figure in inquiries into the Trump administration’s interactions with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mueller investigation, and debates over executive authority.

Early life and education

McGahn was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey and raised in Galloway Township, New Jersey. He graduated from Holy Spirit High School before attending Saint Joseph's University for undergraduate studies. He earned his Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School, where he served on the George Washington University Law Review and participated in clinics tied to the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Legal career

McGahn began his legal career clerking for judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and later worked at the Washington, D.C. office of Jones Day, where he became a partner. He served as counsel to Republican campaigns and committees, including work connected to the George W. Bush and Mitt Romney campaign networks, and as general counsel to the Republican National Committee. In private practice he represented corporate clients and litigated matters involving the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Election Commission, and disputes in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

White House counsel (2017–2018)

Appointed White House Counsel by President Donald Trump in 2017, McGahn managed legal issues for the White House and coordinated with advisors such as Reince Priebus, John F. Kelly, and Stephen Miller. McGahn oversaw personnel matters, executive orders connected to the Department of Justice, and litigation involving the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce. His tenure coincided with high-profile actions concerning the Travel Ban and litigation before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Role in the Mueller investigation and testimony

McGahn became a focal point of the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States presidential election and related matters. He was a principal witness for investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Justice. Conflicts over executive privilege and compliance led to disputes between the White House and the Office of the Special Counsel, and the United States House Committee on the Judiciary sought testimony and documents. McGahn ultimately provided transcribed interviews to Mueller's team and later testified publicly before the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee.

Post-White House career

After leaving the White House in 2018, McGahn returned to private practice and engaged with legal and policy organizations in Washington, including think tanks and law firms addressing administrative law and regulatory matters. He advised on matters relating to the Department of Justice, corporate compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, and appellate strategy before the United States Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. McGahn also participated in speaking engagements at institutions such as Harvard Law School and George Washington University Law School.

Political activities and affiliations

Long associated with the Republican Party, McGahn served in Republican legal networks linked to figures like Rudy Giuliani, Ken Cuccinelli, and Ed Gillespie. His work intersected with conservative legal organizations including the Federalist Society and advocacy groups active in judicial selection processes for United States federal judges and the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. McGahn played a role in advising on judicial nominations to the Supreme Court of the United States and lower federal courts, working with officials involved in the confirmations of justices such as Neil Gorsuch.

Personal life and honors

McGahn is married and has children; his personal life has been referenced in coverage by outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. He has received recognition in legal circles, appearing on lists curated by publications like The National Law Journal and participating in panels at organizations including the American Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. Category:Living people