Contact Us

Insider Perspectives: Key Figures from the First Trump Administration on Shaping the Next Four Years

February 4, 2025

In an era of shifting regulatory environments and rapidly evolving market conditions, having a former Trump administration insider as a speaker or advisor will give your audience the edge they need to stay ahead of the curve.

As event planners seek to bring in thought leaders who offer unique perspectives on the intersection of legislative change, business strategy, and policy impact, former figures from the Trump administration provide invaluable insights.

Thought Leaders like Mike Pence, Marc Short, Scott Gottlieb, Seema Verma, and Robert O’Brien bring years of experience navigating complex political landscapes, regulatory shifts, and global challenges that directly affect industries today.

Whether you’re hosting a corporate seminar, an industry or trade conference, or an intimate executive roundtable, these seasoned advisors can offer expert advice on preparing for the next four years.

Legislature

Former Trump administration insiders can add value as speakers for your next event. Mike Pence and Marc Short.
Former Vice President Mike Pence walks with his then-Chief of Staff Marc Short Monday Feb. 3, 2020, along the Colonnade of the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Mike Pence

Booking Mike Pence as a keynote speaker for your upcoming conference, trade show, or executive roundtable would provide attendees with unparalleled insights into leadership, political strategy, and policy development from one of the most influential figures in recent U.S. history.

Pence’s leadership during critical moments, including his oversight of the COVID-19 response and his defense of the election certification process in 2021, demonstrates his commitment to principled decision-making under pressure—an experience that resonates with organizations facing today’s complex challenges. His perspective on managing large-scale operations, building consensus in polarized environments, and guiding organizations through uncertain times makes him an ideal speaker for businesses and leaders navigating regulatory shifts, global trade challenges, and government relations.

Whether addressing crisis management or government-business dynamics, hosting Mike Pence will offer your audience practical lessons on leadership, decision-making, and strategic diplomacy—providing them with the tools to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex business and political landscape.

Marc Short

Hosting Marc Short as a panelist or keynote speaker would offer business audiences valuable insights into legislative strategy, government relations, and the intricacies of policy-making from someone who played a critical role in advancing key administration initiatives.

As Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence, Short was deeply involved in bipartisan negotiations, tax reform, and regulatory changes, giving him a unique perspective on how businesses can navigate and influence legislative processes.

His experience in bridging the gap between the White House and Congress makes him an expert in government-business interactions, offering strategies for businesses to engage with policymakers and secure favorable outcomes. Short’s expertise in driving major legislative victories, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will provide actionable insights on how business leaders can stay ahead of evolving regulations and policy shifts that impact industries today.

Paul Teller

Paul Teller is an ideal panelist or roundtable speaker for your event, offering unique insights from his time as Deputy Assistant to the President and Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs in the former Trump administration. He has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of Washington, driving key legislative initiatives, and shaping conservative policy.

With his deep understanding of government relations, policy strategy, and bipartisan coalition-building, Teller will provide your audience with valuable, actionable takeaways. His experience bridging the gap between the White House and Congress makes him especially valuable for those looking to understand how to influence policy in today’s political climate. Whether you’re targeting policymakers, business leaders, or advocacy groups, Teller’s expertise will engage and inspire your attendees.

Healthcare

Former Trump administration insiders can add value as speakers for your next event. Scott Gottlieb.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb presents onstage at a recent WWSG event.

Scott Gottlieb

Dr. Scott Gottlieb would be a top-tier choice for a keynote or panel presenter at your event, offering expert insights from his time as FDA Commissioner under the first Trump administration. His deep knowledge of healthcare policy, drug pricing, and public health makes him a valuable speaker for any audience focused on the future of healthcare or regulatory reform.

Gottlieb communicates complex issues with clarity and relevance, making his expertise accessible to diverse groups—from industry leaders to policymakers. His perspectives on the evolving healthcare landscape and government regulation will leave your attendees with actionable takeaways and a greater understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Seema Verma

Seema Verma would be a highly impactful keynote speaker for healthcare-focused groups in 2025. As the former CMS Administrator from 2017 to 2021, she led transformative initiatives in Medicaid and Medicare reform, including the State Innovation Models, Medicaid work requirements, and efforts to modernize Medicare Advantage. Her expertise in value-based care and healthcare cost management remains highly relevant as the industry continues to evolve.

Verma offers a pragmatic, policy-driven perspective on how to improve healthcare delivery, making her an ideal speaker for audiences focused on healthcare reform, cost control, access to care, and similar topics. Her direct experience at the policy level ensures valuable insights for healthcare leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

Joseph Grogan

Joseph Grogan would be a highly valuable panelist or keynote speaker for a healthcare-related conference in 2025, offering a wealth of expertise from his time as Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under the first Trump administration. In that role, Grogan was deeply involved in shaping key healthcare policies.

His experience navigating the complexities of healthcare policy at the highest levels of government equips him with a unique perspective on the forces that shape the U.S. healthcare system. Grogan can offer actionable insights into cost control, healthcare reform, and increasing competition within the market, all of which are crucial topics for healthcare leaders today.

As a speaker, Grogan’s expertise will resonate with policymakers, healthcare executives, and industry professionals seeking to understand the intersection of politics, regulation, and healthcare delivery.

Trade & Transport

Elaine Chao

Elaine Chao would be a highly valuable thought leader for large conferences, trade shows, and corporate events due to her extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. As Secretary of Transportation under President Trump, she shaped U.S. transportation policy, guided infrastructure development, and navigated regulatory challenges, including leading efforts on deregulation and managing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. With her expertise in public-private partnerships, global trade, and emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, Chao offers invaluable insights on leadership, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and driving innovation. Her diverse background, combined with her role as a trailblazer for diversity in leadership, makes her an ideal speaker for businesses seeking guidance on navigating today’s interconnected, evolving landscape.

Robert Lighthizer

Robert Lighthizer, former U.S Trade Representative for President Trump, is an outstanding keynote speaker for any trade event or large conference due to his unparalleled expertise and experience in global trade policy. During his tenure, he played a central role in reshaping U.S. trade strategy, including negotiating the USMCA and leading the charge in the U.S.-China trade war. His deep understanding of international trade dynamics, coupled with his firsthand experience in high-stakes negotiations, gives him a unique insider perspective on the challenges and strategies involved in crafting effective trade agreements. Lighthizer’s strong stance on protectionism and prioritizing national interests offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of trade policy. His authoritative voice in discussions about U.S.-China relations, tariffs, and trade imbalances resonates not just in the U.S., but globally, making him an ideal speaker for international audiences. With his straightforward and direct communication style, Lighthizer can engage audiences by providing practical insights on negotiation tactics, the evolving global economic landscape, and the real-world implications of trade policy shifts. His name recognition and credibility further solidify his status as a top-tier choice for any trade-related event.

Spending & Budgeting

Mick Mulvaney

Mick Mulvaney would be a highly valuable speaker, offering unique insights from his roles as OMB Director, Acting White House Chief of Staff, and acting Director of the CFPB. As OMB Director, he played a key role in shaping federal budgets and fiscal policy, making him ideal for audiences focused on government spending, budget priorities, and fiscal responsibility.

His experience managing White House operations during critical moments also gives him a strong perspective on leadership, crisis management, and policy implementation. Additionally, Mulvaney’s deregulatory approach at the CFPB provides expertise on consumer protection and financial regulation.

Whether discussing public policy, political strategy, or regulatory reform, Mulvaney’s real-world experience offers valuable takeaways for any audience.

Martin Gruenberg

Martin Gruenberg, former Chairman of the FDIC, is an ideal keynote speaker for high-level conferences, especially those focused on finance, banking, and regulatory policy. With his experience overseeing the nation’s deposit insurance system and banking regulation, he offers deep insights into financial stability, risk management, and policy frameworks shaping the U.S. banking sector.

Gruenberg played a key role in ensuring financial system stability post-2008, making him a trusted expert on systemic risk, capital requirements, and regulatory reforms. For corporate audiences, his expertise provides valuable lessons on navigating banking regulations, managing financial risk, and adapting to economic policy changes in an evolving global market.

Security

Former Trump administration insiders can add value as speakers for your next event. Mark Esper.
At a previous White House press conference, Mark Esper speaks beside President Trump.

Mark Esper

Mark Esper’s experience as Secretary of Defense in the previous Trump administration makes him an exceptional keynote speaker for large conferences or corporate events. He brings invaluable insights into national security, strategic decision-making, and leadership in high-stakes environments. Esper led key initiatives on military modernization, global security threats, and Pentagon budget management, which offer valuable lessons on crisis management, large-scale organizational leadership, and risk management.

For corporate audiences, Esper’s expertise in strategic planning and adapting to rapid change is highly relevant, especially for companies in global markets, defense, or technology. His ability to navigate complex policy decisions and international relations makes him a compelling speaker for any event focused on leadership, innovation, or global business strategy.

Robert O’Brien

Robert O’Brien’s experience as National Security Advisor under the first Trump administration makes him a valuable keynote speaker for any large conference or corporate event. He played a key role in managing U.S. foreign policy on issues like global security, trade negotiations, and counterterrorism, offering deep insights into geopolitical strategy and global risk management.

For corporate audiences, O’Brien’s expertise in crisis management and negotiation tactics provides actionable lessons on leading in high-pressure situations and adapting to shifting global dynamics. His background in multilateral diplomacy and international relations makes him a great fit for businesses focused on global expansion, risk assessment, and international strategy.

Former Trump administration insiders can add value as speakers for your next event. John Kelly.
General John Kelly speaking onstage at a WWSG event.

General John Kelly

Booking John Kelly as a speaker at your upcoming trade or business conference offers attendees the opportunity to hear from a leader with unmatched experience in high-stakes decision-making, national security, and government operations.

As a four-star Marine Corps General, former Secretary of Homeland Security, and White House Chief of Staff, Kelly brings invaluable insights on leadership under pressure, managing complex organizations, and the intersection of business strategy and government policy. His expertise is especially valuable for industries facing regulatory challenges, security concerns, and evolving government-business relations.

Whether discussing how businesses can navigate a shifting regulatory environment or sharing lessons on organizational change, Kelly’s perspectives will equip executives and policymakers with the tools needed to stay ahead in today’s complex, dynamic landscape.

In today’s fast-paced political and business environment, bringing in a former Trump administration insider as a speaker or advisor can give your audience a distinct advantage. These professionals have firsthand experience navigating complex policy decisions, managing high-pressure situations, and bridging the gap between government and business. Whether you’re looking for expert insights on regulation, economic policy, or leadership strategies in uncertain times, these former Trump administration insiders offer invaluable knowledge that can help your audience stay ahead. By featuring these experts at your event, you’ll provide your attendees with the tools and perspectives they need to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.

Let Us Help You Select the Perfect Speaker

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Subscribe to the WWSG newsletter.

Check Availability

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

0
Speaker List
Share My List