The recent shakeup in President-elect Donald Trump’s White House team underscores the intrigue and power struggles simmering beneath the surface of his incoming administration. The decision to appoint David Warrington as White House Counsel and shift William McGinley to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has cast a spotlight on internal dynamics, particularly the influence—or waning influence—of Trump advisor Boris Epshteyn.

David Warrington’s elevation to White House Counsel is a significant development. A trusted figure in Trump’s orbit, Warrington served as General Counsel for Trump’s 2024 campaign and has a strong track record as a conservative legal strategist.

His appointment aligns closely with Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff, who reportedly favored Warrington for the position from the outset. Warrington’s Marine Corps background and extensive legal experience make him a natural fit for a role that will involve navigating a second-term agenda packed with legal and political landmines.

While some may view McGinley’s reassignment to DOGE as a demotion, the reality is more nuanced. DOGE, tasked with slashing government inefficiency and regulatory bloat, is poised to play a crucial role in Trump’s effort to overhaul the federal bureaucracy. With high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy involved, the department is expected to wield substantial influence. However, McGinley’s placement there may still reflect Trump’s dissatisfaction with Epshteyn, who had championed McGinley for the White House Counsel position. Musk’s alleged distaste for Epshteyn suggests McGinley may face skepticism within his new role.

Top allies of president-elect Trump and sources close to his transition team tell ABC News that top legal adviser Boris Epshteyn used his proximity to Trump to seek financial compensation, claiming he could potentially secure positions for certain people in the administration. pic.twitter.com/k7mwJ6tKE8

— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) November 26, 2024

The backdrop to these appointments is the controversy surrounding Boris Epshteyn. Accusations of Epshteyn soliciting consulting fees from potential administration nominees have rocked Trump’s inner circle. Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent’s allegations—backed by written and audio records—paint a damning picture of Epshteyn attempting to profit from his proximity to Trump. This includes a bizarre incident where Epshteyn reportedly pitched investment in Big3 Basketball alongside discussions of cabinet appointments.

Warrington’s investigation into Epshteyn, reportedly initiated at Wiles’ request, found enough evidence to recommend distancing Epshteyn from Trump’s inner circle. Although the official line from Trump’s team claims the matter is resolved, the fallout suggests otherwise. Epshteyn’s influence appears to be waning, with Warrington’s appointment signaling a victory for Wiles and others seeking to assert control over the administration’s direction.

The infighting and jockeying for power are, in some respects, par for the course in any administration. However, the stakes are especially high for Trump’s second term, given his ambitious agenda and limited time to implement it before the political realities of the midterms set in. The need for cohesion and professionalism within Trump’s team cannot be overstated. Any distractions or self-serving behavior could derail efforts to achieve meaningful reforms.

Epshteyn’s actions, if proven true, serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mixing personal ambition with public service. Trump’s pointed remarks—”No one can promise any endorsement or nomination except me”—make clear his intolerance for such behavior. Whether this signals a broader effort to curtail similar conduct remains to be seen.