Don McGahn Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Career, White House Counsel, Attorney & 2026 Update
Don McGahn is an American lawyer who worked as White House Counsel to President Donald Trump from January 2017 to October 2018. He ran a team of 20 lawyers and sat at the center of big early Trump stories.
In 2026, people search for his age, wife Shannon, kids, and net worth. He is 58, married with two sons, and still a top Republican election lawyer. Here is his full story.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Donald Francis McGahn II |
| Nick Name | Don McGahn |
| Profession | Attorney, Former White House Counsel |
| Birth Date | June 16, 1968 |
| Age | 58 years 3 months old |
| Birth Place | Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Trump White House Counsel 2017–2018, FEC Chair 2008 |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | About 6 feet 0 inches |
| Weight | About 190 lbs |
| Hair Color | Brown with gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Notre Dame BA, Widener JD, Georgetown LLM |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Shannon McGahn |
| Relationships | Married to Shannon, no public past dating |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Family Tree | Wife Shannon, 2 sons |
| Hobbies | Lead guitar, Scott’s New Band, Berklee music study |
| Current Work | Republican election lawyer in Washington, DC |
| Years Active | 1990s–present |
| Net Worth | $4 to $6 million (2026) |
Readers also follow Donald Trump, Shannon McGahn, Emmet Flood, and Pat Cipollone for similar White House counsel stories.
Early Life & Education
Don was born June 16, 1968, in Atlantic City. He went to the US Naval Academy for a time, then earned a BA at Notre Dame.
He earned a law degree at Widener and a master of laws at Georgetown. He started in finance law at Patton Boggs in DC. He also studied guitar at Berklee and has played for 20 years.
Career Journey
Work at the Election Commission
Don served on the Federal Election Commission from 2008 to 2013. He was chair for part of 2008. He handled rules for campaigns, the NRA, and party groups.
Lawyer for Trump and the White House
He was Trump’s 2016 campaign lawyer. On November 25, 2016, Trump picked him as White House Counsel. He started January 20, 2017 and left October 17, 2018. He vetted orders and judges and passed on the Flynn warning. He made $2.4 million at Jones Day in 2016.
Court Fight and Recent Work
In 2019 the House ordered him to testify. In August 2020 a court said 7–2 the House could sue to make him come. He now works in private GOP election law.
Career Stats
- White House Counsel: Jan 2017 to Oct 2018
- FEC: 2008–2013, chair in 2008
- 2016 pay: $2.4 million at Jones Day
Personal Life
- Wife: Shannon McGahn, lobbyist who worked for Treasury Secretary Mnuchin
- Children: 2 sons
- Faith: Roman Catholic
- Home: Washington, DC area
Dating History and Affairs
Only known partner is wife Shannon. No past affairs in public.
Controversies
Papers called him the fiery lawyer in almost every early Trump fight, from Flynn to Russia to Mueller. He faced no criminal charges. His House testimony fight set a big legal precedent.
Awards & Achievements
- FEC Chair in 2008
- White House Counsel 2017–2018
Physical Statistics
- Height: About 6 feet 0 inches
- Weight: About 190 lbs
- Hair Color: Brown-gray
- Eye Color: Brown
Quotes
“The fiery lawyer at the center of virtually every Trump controversy.” — Washington Post, 2017
Favorites
- Instrument: Lead guitar
- Band: Scott’s New Band
Earnings
Don is worth $4 to $6 million in 2026 from law firm shares, retirement funds, and GOP work.
Interesting Facts
- Plays lead guitar and studied at Berklee.
- Once listed a $4,900 music booking payment.
Did You Know Already?
- He started in Navy school before law.
Social Media Links
- Ballotpedia: Donald McGahn — career timeline
- Wikipedia: Don McGahn — offices and dates
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Don McGahn in 2026?
Born June 16, 1968, so he is 58 years 3 months old — 58.
Who is his wife?
Shannon McGahn, a lobbyist. They have two sons.
What did he do for Trump?
He was White House Counsel from 2017 to 2018.
What is his net worth?
About $4–$6 million.
Conclusion
From the election board to the White House to a big court precedent, Don stays a key GOP lawyer in 2026.
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