Republican elections lawyer Bill McGinley is stepping down from his role as counsel at the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). McGinley, a recognized figure in Republican legal circles, had previously been named by then President-elect Donald Trump as a potential White House counsel. However, Trump’s administration later reassigned him to the DOGE, a quasi-public body reportedly led by billionaire Elon Musk. McGinley’s departure was first reported by Bloomberg Law.
McGinley is not the first high-level official to part ways with DOGE. Earlier this week, co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy also left the agency, anticipating a gubernatorial run in Ohio. Both McGinley and Ramaswamy are part of a series of departures from the cost-cutting unit.
In Trump’s first term, McGinley, alongside former White House Counsel Don McGahn, were among several partners at Jones Day, a major law firm, who secured administration roles. McGinley joined the boutique law firm Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky and Josefiak in late 2019 after his tenure as cabinet secretary. His role included serving as White House liaison to federal department heads and acting as the election watchdog for the Republican National Committee in 2024.
Holtzman Vogel, with a practice known for its election law expertise, continues to be a notable name in Republican legal spheres. Co-founder Jill Holtzman Vogel has been influential in guiding national GOP legal efforts and served notably in the Virginia State Senate. The law firm’s reputation underscores its prominence in Republican circles, a testament to figures like McGinley who have contributed to its prestige.
The ongoing transitions at DOGE raise questions about the longevity and implications of this government body, given the notable figures who have already left the team. For further details on this development, visit Bloomberg Law.