May Mailman education and career: How a Kansas-born lawyer rose to influence US higher education policy from the White House
May Mailman has emerged as a central, yet relatively unknown figure in the Trump administration’s relentless campaign targeting some of America’s most prestigious universities. A Harvard-educated lawyer, Mailman has played a pivotal role in crafting policies that have challenged the core principles of higher education, including academic freedom, admissions practices, and diversity initiatives. Her influence has shaped a confrontational approach towards institutions that have long stood as pillars of independent research and academic excellence.In August 2025, as reported by CBS News, May Davis Mailman departed the White House, ending her tenure as deputy assistant to the president and senior policy strategist. Despite leaving, she remains involved as a special government employee to wrap up ongoing negotiations, including sensitive talks with Harvard University over frozen federal research funding. Mailman is also planning to start a government affairs firm, although she has committed not to take clients related to her former administration projects.Early life and educationBorn Sylvia May Davis in 1988, Mailman was raised in the Midwest in small, predominantly white towns in Kansas. Her parents met overseas in South Korea before settling in the United States. Growing up as one of the few individuals of Asian descent in her community, Mailman faced social challenges early on but developed a sharp wit and candid communication style.She attended the University of Kansas, majoring in journalism and actively engaging with the College Republicans. Her political awakening was inspired by a George W. Bush campaign event, which reshaped her perception of Republican leadership. Later, in 2012, Mailman enrolled at Harvard Law School, where she was remembered as outspoken and energetic by classmates.Career beginnings and White House rolesAfter graduating from Harvard in 2015, Mailman initially worked at a midsize law firm in Denver. She was soon recruited to the White House, joining the first Trump administration in various capacities including the staff secretary’s office, chief of staff’s office, and White House counsel’s office. During this time, she gained unique access to senior advisers, frequently travelling with the president and key staff.Her role as a policy strategist in Trump’s second termReturning to Washington for Trump’s second term, Mailman was tasked with turning campaign promises into actionable policies. She became an architect of controversial executive orders redefining federal policies on gender and diversity, influencing institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. Her work has been credited with leveraging federal power to reshape university admissions and athletic policies in line with the administration’s conservative agenda.Personal background and political viewsMailman’s political philosophy aligns with a libertarian aversion to political correctness, and she has openly embraced roles opposing transgender protections and affirmative action policies. Despite the contentious nature of her work, colleagues praise her as a pragmatic and efficient negotiator. Mailman is also a mother of three and has balanced her demanding career with family life.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
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