Overview
- The X account known as Johnny MAGA, with roughly 280,000–300,000 followers, is reported to be operated by White House staffer Garrett Wade who helps manage official rapid response messaging.
- Public records reviewed by WIRED linked a phone number used by Wade to the account, and a source close to the White House confirmed the connection.
- The account has presented itself as an independent influencer while routinely echoing administration narratives, including posts on the Renee Good ICE shooting in Minneapolis and praise for a racist AI video of the Obamas.
- Wade’s public records show ties to consulting firm Opinion Architects, which ethics filings link to former senior communications official Taylor Budowich.
- As of Thursday, neither Wade nor the White House has commented on the reporting, prompting renewed scrutiny from researchers over transparency gaps and the blurred line between official communications and partisan creator networks.