Who is John McEntee? John David McEntee II, born on May 9, 1990, is a multifaceted figure in American politics. Raised in Fullerton, California, McEntee's journey spans from college football at the University of Connecticut to becoming a key player in Donald Trump's administration. Known for his role as Trump's body man, McEntee's career has been marked by both loyalty and controversy. He was dismissed from the White House in 2018 due to security issues but was rehired in 2020 as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office. His involvement in the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol attack and his entrepreneurial ventures, like co-founding the conservative dating app The Right Stuff, add layers to his complex legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- John McEntee's journey from college football to the White House was marked by controversy and loyalty, shaping his complex legacy in American politics.
- Despite his entrepreneurial ventures and football skills, McEntee's personal behavior and role in promoting conspiracy theories have left a lasting impact on his reputation.
Early Life and Education
John McEntee's journey began in California, where he was raised in a Roman Catholic family. His early years and education played a significant role in shaping his future.
- McEntee was raised in a Roman Catholic family in Fullerton, California.
- His father, John D. McEntee, is a producer and manager who books celebrities for private and corporate functions.
- McEntee attended St. Angela Merici Parish School in Brea, California.
- He later attended Servite High School in Anaheim, where he played quarterback on the varsity football team.
College Football Career
McEntee's passion for football continued into his college years, where he played for the University of Connecticut.
- McEntee played college football for the University of Connecticut.
- He was a redshirt his first year and completed his communications degree in the spring of his senior year.
- He played sparingly in his first two seasons but was named the starting quarterback during the 2011 season after a strong performance against Buffalo.
- In the next game against Western Michigan, McEntee recorded his season and career-high by throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns.
- He lost the starting job to transfer Chandler Whitmer in the 2012 season and dropped down the depth chart to third-string, making just three appearances for the Huskies.
Transition to Politics
After his football career, McEntee transitioned into the political arena, starting with a role at Fox News and eventually joining the Trump campaign.
- After his football career, McEntee worked as a production assistant for Fox News, focusing on the channel's social media accounts.
- He successfully lobbied for a job on the Trump campaign, joining as a volunteer in July 2015 and later being promoted to a full-time position as trip director.
- McEntee's role in the Trump campaign was significant. He accompanied Trump on all trips, including the President's trip to Saudi Arabia in May 2017, where he briefly became a trending topic alongside Ivanka Trump.
White House Aide and Controversies
McEntee's time in the White House was marked by both his loyalty to Trump and several controversies.
- After Donald Trump won the 2016 election, McEntee was asked to join his staff as an aide. He served as Trump's body man and was known for carrying the President's bags.
- McEntee's first term of service in the White House ended on March 13, 2018, when he was fired due to an unspecified security issue related to gambling.
- After White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly was dismissed in December 2018, Donald Trump rehired McEntee and named him Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office in February 2020.
Role in the 2020 Election and January 6 Capitol Attack
McEntee played a controversial role in the events leading up to the 2020 election certification and the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Leading up to the certification of the 2020 election, McEntee falsely claimed Mike Pence had the authority to overturn the results.
- He sent a series of bullet points via text message to Pence's chief of staff asserting that Thomas Jefferson "Used His Position as VP to Win" the 1801 election.
- McEntee promoted numerous conspiracy theories about the election, contributing to the chaotic environment leading up to January 6, 2021.
- McEntee's actions played a significant role in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election, which ultimately led to the January 6 Capitol attack.
- McEntee began providing legal advice during this period, drafting his own constitutional analysis that directly contradicted White House Counsel Cipollone and every other serious expert in the country.
- On January 1, 2021, McEntee sent a memo via text message to Pence’s chief of staff, which included the claim that Jefferson used his position as VP to win the 1801 election.
- On November 9, 2021, McEntee was issued a subpoena to testify by the House January 6th Committee. He appeared before the committee in a taped deposition twice in 2022 and returned in person in January 2023.
Personal Life and Reputation
McEntee's personal life and behavior have also been subjects of scrutiny and controversy.
- McEntee is known for his physical appearance and charm. He was described as good-looking and tall but not too tall, about an inch shorter than Trump.
- McEntee had a reputation for hiring young, attractive women while working in the White House. He staffed his office with very young Trump activists and hired his friends, including young women who were often described as beautiful.
- McEntee sent young women sexually explicit messages online, including offering them free trips to Los Angeles. He used a southern California phone number that he had used in the past to reach out to these women.
- McEntee co-founded the conservative dating app The Right Stuff, which has been criticized for its mostly male user base. The app's sole investor is right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel.
- One of the women he messaged, Grace Carter, was an 18-year-old freshman at North Carolina State University when she received messages from McEntee through Instagram. Despite her initial interest in a free hoodie, she eventually became uncomfortable with his advances.
- After the September 10 presidential debate between Trump and Kamala Harris, McEntee posted a video on TikTok asking if someone could track down the women Kamala Harris said were bleeding out in parking lots because Roe v. Wade was overturned. This video further incensed Carter and others who had similar experiences with him.
- In May 2023, McEntee joined Project 2025 as a senior adviser, raising questions about whether his apparent liberalism on sex coexists with the manifesto’s puritanical recommendations.
- Despite his controversial behavior, conservatives have historically been willing to let such actions slide, particularly given his loyalty to Trump.
Business Ventures and Legacy
Beyond politics, McEntee has ventured into entrepreneurship, leaving a complex legacy.
- Beyond his political career, McEntee has ventured into entrepreneurship. His role as CEO of The Right Stuff app reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate the digital landscape.
- McEntee's physical appearance has been noted by those around him. He is described as good-looking and tall but not too tall, about an inch shorter than Trump.
- McEntee is known for his football skills, particularly his ability to throw a perfect pass blindfolded. This skill was highlighted in an article by Politico in 2017.
- Despite being a key figure in the Trump administration, McEntee managed to keep a relatively low profile in a chaotic White House environment. His ability to stay under the radar was noted by Politico in 2017.
- McEntee's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he has been a loyal supporter of Trump, his actions have also contributed to some of the most contentious moments in recent American political history. His role in promoting conspiracy theories and his personal behavior have left a lasting impact on his reputation and the political landscape.
McEntee's Impact on Politics
John McEntee's journey from college football to the White House is nothing short of fascinating. His role as a political advisor and entrepreneur has been marked by both loyalty and controversy. From carrying the President's bags to influencing key decisions, McEntee's presence in the Trump administration was significant. His involvement in the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol attack and his promotion of election conspiracy theories have left a lasting impact on his reputation. Despite his controversial actions, McEntee's entrepreneurial spirit shines through with ventures like The Right Stuff app. His legacy is a mix of dedication to Trump and contentious moments in American politics. Whether viewed as a loyal supporter or a controversial figure, McEntee's story is a testament to the complexities of political life.
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