John McEntee’s meteoric rise in conservative politics is a testament to the power of loyalty and strategic positioning. At just 34 years old, McEntee has already left an indelible mark on the Republican Party and shows no signs of slowing down. His journey from a campaign volunteer to one of the most influential figures in right-wing politics is a compelling story of ambition, dedication, and the changing workings of the modern political machine.
John McEntee’s Early Days with Trump
McEntee’s journey began in 2015 when he joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign as a volunteer. A native of Newport Beach, California, McEntee worked at Fox News when he watched Trump’s presidential announcement speech. Inspired by what he saw, he joined the campaign, starting at the bottom rung of the political ladder.
John McEntee’s dedication and work ethic quickly caught the attention of campaign leadership. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the campaign’s director of travel logistics. This role put him in close proximity to Trump, allowing him to showcase his reliability and attention to detail.
Following Trump’s election victory, McEntee transitioned into the role of “body man,” a position that made him Trump’s constant companion and personal aide. This role allowed McEntee to forge a close personal bond with Trump, earning his trust and respect. John McEntee’s ability to anticipate Trump’s needs and his unwavering loyalty made him an indispensable part of the president’s inner circle.
The Presidential Personnel Office
In January 2020, at the height of Trump’s first impeachment, McEntee was appointed director of the Presidential Personnel Office (PPO) at just 29 years old. This appointment came after a brief period away from the White House due to issues with his security clearance, which were eventually resolved. John McEntee’s return to the administration in such a decisive role clearly showed Trump’s trust in him.
In his position at the PPO, McEntee wielded significant power over personnel decisions for thousands of federal employees. His tenure was marked by several key actions. He executed a significant personnel shakeup, removing officials deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump’s agenda. John McEntee’s approach included high-profile dismissals in national security, targeting those perceived as not fully committed to Trump’s immigration and refugee policies. During the shakeup, McEntee oversaw appointments in the intelligence community, including a new Director of National Intelligence who was more closely aligned with Trump’s vision.
John McEntee streamlined the hiring process for political appointees, reducing the average time to hire to just six weeks. This efficiency-first approach quickly filled positions with individuals aligned with the administration’s goals. In fact, it allowed McEntee to install Trump loyalists in key government positions, including in areas previously considered somewhat autonomous from direct presidential influence, such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
John McEntee’s approach to staffing the administration was unapologetically focused on loyalty to Trump and his agenda. This approach earned him both fierce criticism from opponents who saw it as a politicization of the civil service, and strong support from Trump allies who viewed it as necessary to implement the president’s policies effectively.
Post-White House Endeavors
Following Trump’s electoral defeat in 2020, John McEntee pivoted to new ventures that allowed him to expand his influence in conservative circles.
1. Project 2025
McEntee began working with The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, on its Project 2025 initiative. This ambitious project aims to create a comprehensive database of potential appointees for a future conservative administration. McEntee’s role involves vetting and selecting candidates who align with conservative values and policies, creating what some have dubbed a “right-wing LinkedIn.” This work positions McEntee as a key player in shaping the potential makeup of future Republican administrations.
2. Date Right
John McEntee also ventured into the tech world by co-founding a conservative dating app called Date Right (also known as The Right Stuff). Backed by conservative billionaire Peter Thiel, the app connects politically right-leaning singles who feel underserved by mainstream dating platforms. This move demonstrates McEntee’s understanding of how political values increasingly shape personal relationships and social interactions.
3. TikTok Influencer
Perhaps most surprisingly, John McEntee has a significant presence on TikTok, amassing over 3.4 million followers. His success on the platform is particularly noteworthy given the widespread conservative criticism of TikTok and calls for its ban in the United States. McEntee’s ability to build a large following without relying on his White House credentials showcases his adaptability and understanding of modern media landscapes. He argues that conservatives must engage on platforms like TikTok to reach younger audiences, saying, “You have to speak to people where they are.”
John McEntee’s Next Chapter in Politics
With the 2024 election, John McEntee’s influence in conservative circles continues to grow. His unique combination of White House experience, tech savvy, and unwavering loyalty to Trump positions him as a critical player in shaping the future of the Republican Party.
Those close to former President Trump believe that a successful reelection bid would likely include an official appointment for McEntee. Trump reportedly continues to express admiration for McEntee’s work, viewing him as uniquely capable of ensuring ideological consistency in a future administration. “The lessons we learned in the first administration will only make us stronger,” John McEntee says.
Whether through his work with Project 2025, his social media presence, or a potential return to the White House, John McEntee will remain a significant force in American conservative politics for years to come. His career trajectory from campaign volunteer to influential political operator offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of modern political power and the importance of personal loyalty in shaping policy.