President-elect Donald Trump has named David Warrington as his new White House counsel, reversing an earlier decision to appoint William McGinley to the role. McGinley, who was initially selected for the position on November 12, will now take the lead on a new initiative created by Trump: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The shift in roles marks a significant change in Trump’s leadership team as he prepares for his second term in office.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump praised Warrington as an “esteemed lawyer and Conservative leader,” highlighting his experience as Trump’s personal counsel and his work on the Trump campaign. Warrington currently serves as a partner and head of the political law unit at the Dhillon Law Group, a firm known for its high-profile conservative legal work.
“David has been a trusted legal advisor throughout my first term, and his expertise will be invaluable in navigating the challenges we face in Washington,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, McGinley, who served as White House cabinet secretary during Trump’s first term, will now lead the newly established DOGE. This board, which Trump envisions operating outside of the government, will focus on reducing inefficiencies within federal agencies. McGinley will work alongside business leaders, including Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, to advocate for significant reductions in government spending, layoffs of government workers, and regulatory reform.
“Bill McGinley will play a crucial role in liberating our economy from burdensome regulations, excess spending, and government waste,” Trump remarked. “His leadership will help us eliminate the bloated federal bureaucracy.”
The Department of Government Efficiency, as envisioned by Trump, will be closely aligned with efforts to streamline government operations, including proposed budget cuts and regulatory overhauls. However, the exact scope and operations of the DOGE remain unclear, especially given the involvement of Musk and Ramaswamy, both of whom have potential conflicts of interest due to their business dealings with the U.S. government.
Warrington, a highly regarded lawyer, has previously represented key Trump allies, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. He also led a successful lawsuit for the National Association for Gun Rights, challenging regulations on forced reset triggers.
With these significant changes, Trump’s transition team is signaling a focus on both legal expertise and government reform, positioning the new White House counsel and the DOGE leadership to play central roles in shaping the administration’s agenda moving forward.
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