Former Trump administration official John McEntee has registered as a federal lobbyist for the first time, representing Chinese tech giant Tencent in its efforts to address what the company calls an “erroneous trade restriction designation” by the Pentagon, according to newly filed disclosure documents.
John McEntee, who served multiple high-profile roles during the Trump presidency, including Director of Presidential Personnel and as the president’s personal aide, filed the lobbying registration in July 2025. The move represents a natural evolution for the California native, who has built a reputation as a strategic advisor capable of navigating complex political and business challenges.
A Strategic Partnership Addressing Trade Designations
Tencent, the Chinese technology conglomerate behind the popular messaging app WeChat, was added to a Pentagon blacklist in January 2025 as one of several companies designated as linked to the Chinese military. The company has consistently maintained that its inclusion was a mistake and has been working through various channels to address the designation.
The lobbying engagement demonstrates McEntee’s expanding influence in Washington’s strategic advisory landscape. His role focuses specifically on helping Tencent navigate the complex regulatory environment surrounding trade restrictions and defense-related business designations.
Building on Established Expertise
McEntee’s appointment reflects his deep understanding of federal personnel systems and regulatory frameworks, expertise he developed during his tenure as Director of Presidential Personnel. In that role, he oversaw more than 4,000 political appointments across the federal government, giving him unique insights into how different agencies operate and make decisions.
His background in government operations positions him well to help companies understand and work within federal regulatory processes. The Tencent engagement represents his first formal lobbying registration, marking a new chapter in his career trajectory from government service to private sector advisory work.
Part of a Broader Strategic Approach
Tencent’s decision to engage McEntee reflects the company’s comprehensive approach to addressing its Pentagon designation. The tech giant has assembled a diverse team of Republican advisors, including former Trump adviser Bryan Lanza, former Senator David Vitter, and Republican lobbyist Aaron Cutler of Hogan Lovells, among others.
This multi-faceted strategy underscores the complexity of modern trade and technology issues, where companies must navigate relationships across different political networks and regulatory agencies. McEntee’s addition to this team brings specific expertise in federal personnel and administrative processes.
A Natural Career Evolution
McEntee’s entry into lobbying represents a logical next step for someone with his background in high-level government operations and strategic communications. His experience includes not only government service but also entrepreneurship, having founded the Date Right Stuff conservative dating app, and digital media expertise through his successful social media presence.
His diverse background positions him to understand both the policy implications and practical business challenges that companies face when dealing with federal regulations and trade restrictions.
The Tencent engagement demonstrates McEntee’s ability to apply his government experience to help businesses navigate complex regulatory environments. As trade and technology issues continue to evolve, his combination of political insight and practical experience with federal systems provides valuable strategic guidance for companies operating in this challenging landscape.
This new role adds another dimension to John McEntee’s portfolio of activities, which spans government experience, business development, media influence, and now strategic advisory services for major international companies facing regulatory challenges.