Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Michael Caputo

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Michael Caputo.

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

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'.

May 2016: Meeting with Henry Greenberg

In May 2016, Michael Caputo and Roger Stone met with Henry Greenberg, a Russian national who claimed to have damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

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.

May 2017: Claims 'Coordinated, Silent Coup' Causing Leaks

In May 2017, after reports of Donald Trump disclosing classified information to Russia, Michael Caputo told the Associated Press that leaks from within the Trump Administration were due to 'a coordinated, silent coup'.

June 2017: Caputo learns Greenberg is Russian

In June 2017, Michael Caputo stated that it wasn't until prosecutors informed him that Henry Greenberg was Russian, that he learned the man he had spoken with in 2016 was not a U.S. citizen.

2019: Posted Sexually Crude and Sexist Tweets

In 2019, Michael Caputo posted sexually crude and sexist tweets directed at women.

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.

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.

2020: Posted Sexually Crude and Sexist Tweets

In 2020, Michael Caputo continued posting numerous sexually crude and sexist tweets directed at women.

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.

2020: Posted Racist Tweets About Chinese People

In early 2020, Michael Caputo posted multiple offensive and racist tweets about Chinese people before deleting them prior to his HHS appointment.

May 2026: Request for Reimbursement

In May 2026, Michael Caputo requested $2.7 million in reimbursement from a $1.8 billion fund for victims of alleged “lawfare”, claiming the government was weaponized against his family.