With a campaign built on the theme of “draining the swamp” of Washington, DC, President-elect Donald Trump and his advisors needed an advance team to take control of federal agencies in a more coordinated fashion than had ever before been attempted. That required professional manpower from citizen-activists willing to storm the swamp but not interested in staying there.

One person to answer that call was Will McNutt, the unassuming 28-year-old vice president and general counsel for Collin Street Bakery. A century-old institution in Corsicana, the bakery has entered a renaissance with Will and his younger brother, Thomas, stepping into the daily affairs of the family business run by their uncle.

While he says leaving the business for two months for the transition was hard, everyone recognized the important service it was for the nation.

“It is important now more than ever to have his appointed roles filled by Conservatives, instead of political hacks or established party pawns,” McNutt told the Texas Scorecard.

McNutt assisted the incoming administration in the lead-up to the inauguration by working as a liaison between the Trump team’s general counsel’s office and the Department of Defense.

Watching the up-close operations gave McNutt a deep appreciation for the administration’s commitment to governing with a “business-minded” approach.

“They ignored much of the pomp and circumstance that previous presidents ask for at their inaugural,” said McNutt. “For example, I think President Obama asked for 10 or more Inaugural Balls at each of his Inaugurations, but Trump only asked for three – one of which exclusively honored our military and first responders.”

McNutt, whose wife Michelle and their young child stayed in Texas, minimized costs by staying with different friends in the region.

With his service in DC complete, McNutt says he’s glad to be back to the daily business of the Collin Street Bakery.

“It certainly wasn’t easy, but fortunately I have an amazing support network of family and friends who enabled me to serve during this important time.”

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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