Former Jones Day Partner Quits DOGE Amid Legal Challenges.
Bill McGinley has left his position at the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Republican election attorney is following in the footsteps of Vivek Ramaswamy, departing from the Elon Musk-led quasi-governmental agency.
McGinley, who has an extensive background in public service, previously left Jones Day in 2017 to join the first Trump administration as White House Cabinet secretary. Initially considered for the role of White House Counsel under the current administration—following the path of fellow former Jones Day partner Don McGahn—McGinley was instead appointed as counsel to DOGE in December 2020 after President Trump shifted his focus. However, it appears that McGinley has found the role less than appealing. The department, shortly after its creation, has faced considerable legal challenges, with at least three lawsuits filed questioning DOGE's authority. These suits, brought by groups including National Security Counselors, Public Citizen and State Democracy Defenders Fund, and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), argue that DOGE violates the 1972 Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Looking ahead, McGinley is turning his attention to private sector opportunities. In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, he said, “I am in discussions regarding a number of private sector opportunities and will have something to announce in the next couple of weeks.”
