Senior White House aides are bolting from President Donald Trump’s administration after just six months, chasing big paydays on K Street.
Harrison Fields, Trent Morse, Bo Hines, Billy McLaughlin, and May Davis Mailman left in August 2025, swapping public service for private sector riches, as the Daily Mail reports. The moves underscore the persistent “revolving door” between government and industry, despite Trump’s pledges to drain the swamp. Critics argue this undermines public trust, but supporters see it as a savvy career move.
Fields, a deputy press secretary, was lured back to the White House by Karoline Leavitt, the youngest-ever press secretary at 27. He left his Florida family life -- new wife, newborn daughter, and a fresh mortgage -- for a $139,500 salary. Now, he’s joined CGCN Group, a GOP lobbying firm, where his paycheck is expected to at least double.
“I look forward to supporting the MAGA movement in a new, deeply rewarding capacity,” Fields told the Daily Mail. Nice sentiment, but trading White House access for K Street cash raises eyebrows. It’s less about loyalty and more about leveraging connections for profit.
Trent Morse, previously deputy director of presidential personnel, earned $175,000 before launching Morse Strategies, his own lobbying outfit. Bo Hines, once a crypto policy executive, jumped to Tether after Trump signed the GENIUS Act regulating digital currencies. These exits show aides cashing in on their White House clout.
May Davis Mailman, a first-term veteran, left her $155,000 deputy assistant role to start a government affairs firm in Houston. At 30 weeks pregnant, she cited family needs for her departure. Her weekly D.C.-Houston commutes highlight the personal toll of public service.
“Of course it has an impact on family. We’re all going through it—wake up early, go to bed late, grind, grind, grind,” a White House staffer told the Daily Mail. The grind is real, but the lure of private sector wealth seems to outweigh the sacrifice.
Billy McLaughlin, director of digital content, returned to his PR firm after boosting White House digital accounts by 16 million followers. “We’ll keep crushing digital. Democrats will keep sucking at it,” he quipped. His bravado masks a truth: private gigs offer freedom and fatter wallets.
The White House’s TikTok debut in August 2025 sparked rumors tied to McLaughlin’s exit, which he dismissed as Democratic noise. Still, the timing raises questions about priorities. Was it about serving the public or building personal brands?
Compared to Trump’s first term, where a dozen aides quit within six months and turnover hit 92%, this second-term exodus is smaller. Only five aides left this time, per Brookings data. That’s progress, but the revolving door still spins too fast for comfort.
“The revolving door is hardly novel under Trump, but it matters more than ever,” said Jeff Hauser of the Revolving Door Project. He’s right -- when government evolves rapidly, aides shouldn’t be eyeing the exit for personal gain. Yet, the private sector’s pull is undeniable.
Fields, Mailman, and McLaughlin insist they’ll keep pushing Trump’s agenda. Fields will stay vocal on TV, Mailman will take a special government employee role, and McLaughlin will promote digitally. Loyalty sounds noble, but their new jobs scream self-interest.
“Leaving is an emotional experience,” Mailman told the Daily Mail. Emotional or not, her move to Houston for family and a new firm shows life choices trump White House duty. Can’t blame her, but it stings for those expecting steadfast service.
“The realities of life, like living with my family and having my third child, made this transition necessary,” Mailman added. Family first is fair, but using government experience to launch a firm smells like opportunism dressed in sentiment.
“It’s concerning to have people trading on government experience,” said Dan Auble of Open Secrets. He’s not wrong -- when aides eye future paydays while serving, the public’s interest takes a backseat. Trump’s team needs to tighten the door, not oil its hinges.
