When being mentioned for a White House job is almost as good as getting the job itself

The practice of floating names for high-level administration jobs in Washington D.C. has intensified with the lead-up to Trump’s second inauguration. This is seen as a marketing strategy for those in the private sector, where being mentioned for a job can result in new business opportunities. This practice has a long history and can lead to social invitations and bragging rights, but it can also be risky and does not necessarily indicate real influence. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was previously not in Trump’s good graces, has seen a resurgence in his relevance after his name was floated for chief of staff.