The revolving door is the regular movement of officials between government posts and the industries, lobbying firms, law firms, or advocacy groups they previously regulated or oversaw. The pattern operates in both directions: industry lawyers move into political appointee jobs that affect their former clients, and outgoing federal employees take private-sector positions that pay for their former access.
Federal law manages the most obvious conflicts. 18 U.S.C. § 207 imposes a lifetime ban on "switching sides" on specific matters an official worked on, a two-year cooling-off period for senior officials lobbying their former agency, and a one-year ban for many appointees from contacting former colleagues on behalf of clients. The Office of Government Ethics enforces these rules, though penalties for violations are uncommon.
The civic worry is upstream of the statute. Even when officials follow the law, the prospect of a high-paying private-sector job creates incentives that shape decisions while still in government — softer enforcement, narrower rulemaking, or favorable contract awards that pay off after the official leaves.
The revolving door can create conflicts of interest and give former officials undue influence over their former colleagues and agencies.
The revolving door isn't just about lobbying—it includes movement to and from regulated industries, think tanks, and consulting.
The revolving door can create conflicts of interest and give former officials undue influence over their former colleagues and agencies.
The revolving door isn't just about lobbying—it includes movement to and from regulated industries, think tanks, and consulting.