Challenges Faced by Michael Caputo: Obstacles and Turning Points

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

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Michael Caputo's life and career.

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

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.

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.

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.

September 13, 2020: Caputo's Facebook Video Assertions

On September 13, 2020, Michael Caputo asserted in a video on his personal Facebook page that CDC scientists were engaged in "sedition" against Trump, spoke of left-wing "hit squads", advised his listeners to "buy ammunition", and claimed that the shooting of a right wing protester in Portland had been "a drill". He also expressed fears for his safety and deteriorating mental health.

September 14, 2020: Caputo Claims Hit Squads Being Trained

On September 14, 2020, Michael Caputo claimed in a Facebook video that 'there are hit squads being trained all over this country' to oppose a second Trump term and expressed concerns for his own safety.

September 2020: Tried to Influence CDC Reports on COVID-19

In September 2020, a report surfaced revealing that Michael Caputo and his team attempted to alter, delay, suppress, and retroactively edit scientific reports from the CDC on COVID-19, particularly those conflicting with President Trump's public statements.

September 24, 2020: Diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer

On September 24, 2020, a spokesman for Michael Caputo's family announced that he had been diagnosed with metastatic head and neck cancer which originated in his throat.

2020: Key Figure in HHS Advertising Campaign

In 2020, Michael Caputo was a key figure in planning a $300 million HHS advertising campaign, funded by the CDC, to "defeat despair" about COVID-19 using video interviews with officials and celebrities, which faced setbacks and investigations.