Corporate Attorney Will McNutt of Corsicana had a first-hand look during the inauguration this weekend in Washington, D.C.
Following the November election, McNutt was offered a position in the General Counsel’s office at the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “I currently serve as their liaison to the Department of Defense, which executes most of the military’s participation in the peaceful transfer of power at each inauguration,” he says.
According to McNutt, his team worked with a security force of over 35,000 people, for a crowd of almost a million. “This thing was bigger than the Super Bowl, but we only had 60 days to get it done,” he says, calling it a crazy, amazing experience.
When asked about his impression of our new President, the words “direct” and “business-minded” are what come to mind for McNutt. He mentions the scaling back of the pageantry surrounding Inauguration Day. “For example, I think the Obamas hosted more than 10 inaugural balls, but Mr. Trump only wanted three, one of which exclusively honors the military and first responders,” says McNutt.
“The big theme,” continues McNutt, “is he wanted to thank the people who won the White House, but do it quickly and elegantly, and then get back to work.”
Although Inauguration Day was the biggest work day yet, according to McNutt, he did take time to enjoy some of the festivities with his brother, Thomas. “The Military Inaugural Ball was the neatest event for me. While you were there you could feel the energy in the room that came from knowing our newest commander in chief has our back and supports us. “
McNutt adds that, while he had wanted to share this historic event with his wife, “she is incredibly pregnant right now with our first son, so flying wasn’t the best idea.” Michelle is a 3rd grade teacher at Corsicana.
Prior to the election, McNutt served as Corporate Attorney and Vice-President to the Collin Street Bakery. He also serves as a JAG attorney in the Texas State Guard.
Karen Leidy reporting.
