Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Trump picks Don McGahn as White House Counsel

The Washington lawyer will advise the New York tycoon on all all legal issues 

Andrew Buncombe
Minneapolis
Friday 25 November 2016 21:15 GMT
Comments
Donald McGahn will advise Mr Trump on all legal issues
Donald McGahn will advise Mr Trump on all legal issues (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In any US administration, few jobs have more importance or sensitivity than that of White House counsel. It is that person’s job to advise the president on all legal matters concerning their administration.

For the incoming administration of Donald Trump, a President-elect who has already faced allegations that he is facing a conflict of interest between his private an presidential worlds, the job could hardly be more crucial.

On Friday, Mr Trump named Don McGahn, a partner at the company Jones Day and who is currently advising the transition effort, as that person to fill that role.

“Don has a brilliant legal mind, excellent character and a deep understanding of constitutional law,” Mr Trump said of the development, first reported by Reuters.

“He will play a critical role in our administration, and I am grateful that he is willing to serve our country at such a high-level capacity.”

Donald Trump's four biggest U-turns

Politico said Mr McGahn, who has longstanding familial ties to the Trump organisation and an “inside the Beltway’ background as a former chairman of the FEC, may be tasked with putting distance between the president-elect and his myriad of business interests.

Numerous observers have said these could present an unprecedented number of conflicts of interest and a potential Constitutional crisis for the incoming administration.

The current White House Counsel is Neil Eggleston.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in