When Kevin McCarthy’s name was rumored for months as a potential dark horse candidate to be Donald Trump’s chief of staff, the former House speaker neither fully embraced the possibility nor denied his interest. This kind of noncommittal stance is a common strategy in Washington, especially in the leadup to a new administration, where individuals in the private sector benefit from being considered for high-level government positions, even if they ultimately have no intention of accepting such roles.
The idea is that simply being mentioned for a prestigious job can lead to new business opportunities, as it creates the appearance of being close to power. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent during the launch of a new administration, with lobbyists and consultants using any connection to the president’s inner circle to attract clients looking to influence policy-making.
For lobbyists, having a colleague selected for a prominent role in the administration can also boost their own credibility and attractiveness to potential clients. This kind of networking and marketing is a well-known tactic in Washington, where individuals seek to capitalize on their perceived proximity to those in power.
Names often circulate in the press ahead of a new administration, with individuals like Wayne Berman and David Bernhardt being mentioned for various positions. While being perceived as connected to the new administration can bring social and business benefits, it can also be a risky move, especially in the Trump orbit, where putting one’s own ambitions before the president’s priorities is frowned upon.
Despite the potential risks, the strategy of floating names in the press persists, as it can lead to increased visibility, invitations to exclusive events, and bragging rights among peers. However, it’s important to approach these reports with skepticism, as not all individuals mentioned in connection to high-level positions are actually being considered for those roles.
In the case of Kevin McCarthy, it was suggested by someone close to him that he was content with his current role outside of government, even as his name continued to be mentioned for various positions. Ultimately, the practice of leveraging one’s name for potential government roles is a well-established tradition in Washington, where perception and connections can be just as valuable as actual appointments.
Among his clients: the American Hospital Association, the French bank BNP Paribas, and snack industry trade association SNAC International.
McCarthy has spent years working his way back into Trump’s good graces, following the fraying of their relationship after McCarthy publicly said that Trump was at least partly to blame for the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6. And after the former speaker’s ouster, his juice in Washington had significantly dried up.
But more recently, McCarthy has repaired his bond with the incoming president. And having his name in the running for chief of staff has offered a renewed kind of relevancy.
