Career Timeline of Michael Caputo: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2026

Discover the career path of Michael Caputo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Caputo is an American political strategist and lobbyist. He served as Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs at HHS under Trump. He has a long history in politics, including working for Reagan, George H.W. Bush's 1992 campaign, and later advising Boris Yeltsin in Russia. Caputo also worked for Gazprom Media to improve Vladimir Putin's image in the U.S. He later founded a public relations company and worked on a campaign in Ukraine.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1992: Director of Media Services for George H. W. Bush Campaign

In 1992, Michael Caputo served as the director of media services for George H. W. Bush's presidential campaign.

1994: Established Residence in Russia

In 1994, Michael Caputo established his residence in Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

1994: Moves to Russia

In 1994, Michael Caputo relocated to Russia following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

1995: Advisor to Boris Yeltsin

In 1995, Michael Caputo served as an advisor to Boris Yeltsin.

1999: President of The Florence Group

In 1999, Michael Caputo served as president of The Florence Group.

2000: Worked for Gazprom Media to Improve Putin's Image

In 2000, Michael Caputo was contracted by Gazprom Media to enhance Vladimir Putin's public relations standing in the U.S.

2000: Worked for Gazprom Media

In 2000, Michael Caputo worked for Gazprom Media to improve Vladimir Putin's image in the U.S.

2007: Advising a Politician's Campaign in Ukraine

In 2007, Michael Caputo moved back to Europe to advise a politician's campaign for parliament in Ukraine.

2010: Campaign Manager for Carl Paladino's Gubernatorial Campaign

In 2010, Michael Caputo served as the campaign manager for Carl Paladino's unsuccessful campaign for governor of New York.

2010: Campaign Manager for Carl Paladino

In 2010, Michael Caputo was the campaign manager for Carl Paladino's unsuccessful bid for Governor of New York.

2010: Joins forces with Carl Paladino

In 2016, Michael Caputo joined forces with his former employer from the 2010 gubernatorial race, Carl Paladino to support Trump in New York

2013: Received J.D. Degree

In 2013, Michael Caputo received his J.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

2014: Launched Astroturfing Campaign for Buffalo Bills

In 2014, Donald Trump hired Michael Caputo to initiate an astroturfing campaign to support Trump's bid for the Buffalo Bills football team, creating the organization '12th Man Thunder'.

November 2015: Becomes Senior Advisor to Trump's Political Efforts

In November 2015, Michael Caputo became a senior advisor to Donald Trump's political efforts.

November 2015: Joins Trump Campaign

In November 2015, Michael Caputo joined the Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign, initially overseeing communications for New York.

June 2016: Leaves Trump Campaign

In June 2016, Michael Caputo departed from the Donald Trump campaign after publicly supporting the removal of campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.

June 20, 2016: Fired from Trump Campaign

On June 20, 2016, Michael Caputo was terminated from the Trump campaign shortly after Corey Lewandowski's departure, following Caputo's supportive tweet about Lewandowski's exit.

2016: Political Advisor to Trump

In 2016, during the New York Republican primary, Michael Caputo became a political advisor to Donald Trump, aiding him in winning the state's primary.

March 20, 2017: Questioned by Representative Jackie Speier

On March 20, 2017, Representative Jackie Speier questioned FBI Director James Comey about Michael Caputo, citing his employment with Gazprom and history in Ukraine. Caputo worked with the House Intelligence Committee to respond to queries and denied ties to Russia while on the Trump campaign.

May 9, 2017: Contacted by House Intelligence Committee

On May 9, 2017, Michael Caputo was contacted by the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as part of its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. The committee requested he be interviewed voluntarily and submit relevant documents.

April 2020: Appointed to Department of Health and Human Services

In April 2020, Michael Caputo was appointed as the assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for public affairs, despite lacking a medical or scientific background.

2020: Wrote and Produced 'The Ukraine Hoax'

In early 2020, during President Trump's impeachment, Michael Caputo wrote 'The Ukraine Hoax: How Decades of Corruption in the Former Soviet Republic Led to Trump's Phony Impeachment' and produced a documentary of the same name.