The DC Swamp Is Actually a Shark Tank, Where Only the Fiercest Survive

Washington, D.C,. is often called a swamp, but this is a misnomer. It’s more accurately a shark tank where only the fittest survive. With the highest concentration of lawyers in the nation, the District of Columbia, with its population of just under 700,000, boasts an extraordinary 52.6 lawyers per 1,000 residents. This translates to one lawyer for every 19 residents, a stark contrast to New York City’s 9.1 lawyers per 1,000 residents or Massachusetts’ 6.4. This remarkable statistic underscores the city’s unique legal ecosystem, deeply intertwined with its political and bureaucratic functions making it a perfect laboratory for the creation of the politics of personal destruction.

The capital’s high concentration of lawyers is no coincidence. As the epicenter of the federal government, D.C. houses Congress, numerous federal agencies, and the Supreme Court. Approximately 40,000 lawyers operate in this milieu, many of whom work for the federal government. These lawyers are integral to the drafting, interpretation, and enforcement of laws, creating a symbiotic relationship between law and governance.

Congress, the heartbeat of American legislation, relies heavily on lawyers. Many senators and representatives hold law degrees, bringing politically useful knowledge to the legislative process. They delve into complex areas like constitutional and administrative law, crucial for shaping comprehensive federal legislation and regulations.

Federal agencies like the Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Departments of the Treasury and Homeland Security, employ tens of thousands of lawyers. These attorneys draft regulations, enforce compliance, and navigate litigation. Their work ensures that federal regulations are not only created but also implemented and upheld through aggressive and often bullying tactics.

Beyond the public sector, private-sector lawyers in D.C. play a large role in advancing political and corporate agendas. Law firms in the capital are often specialized in regulatory and government affairs, charging fees for services that help large corporations maneuver through the labyrinth of federal regulations . These firms boast deep expertise in areas like tax law, antitrust, healthcare, finance, and environmental law, assisting their clients in compliance, lobbying efforts, and, of course, litigation.

Lobbying is a major industry in Washington, and lawyers are at its core. Many transition into lobbying roles or work closely with lobbying firms, leveraging their legal acumen and understanding of the legislative process to advocate for their clients’ special interests. Companies like Facebook and Amazon spend millions on federal lobbyists to help them draft legislation, prepare legal arguments, and even negotiate directly with policymakers, often shaping public policy from behind the scenes.

This topic has been top of mind for me recently, as I’m sure it has for many of this site’s readers, as we’ve watched the former president get mired down in lawfare at the hands of lawyers. Make no mistake, the lawyers in Washington are part of a club and Trump simply isn’t a member of it. Still, despite their best efforts, setting aside the exacting financial impact they’ve succeeded in against the former president, he’s managed to so far endure this onslaught of lawfare and legal intimidation. And his supporters are right to point this out. It is to his credit he’s been able to sustain this unprecedented magnitude of harassment.

However, where Trump supporters go astray, in my view, is when they suggest Trump and only Trump could handle all of this. They argue on X quite regularly that DeSantis couldn’t survive the same. To which I say, the notion that Ron DeSantis couldn’t navigate the “slings and arrows” of Washington, D.C., is absurd. Washington is not merely a political swamp; it is a shark tank where the fiercest and most cunning survive. DeSantis, a Harvard-educated lawyer, is exceptionally well-equipped to thrive in this environment. Indeed, his legal training and sharp intellect are formidable assets in a city where nearly 500 lawyers operate on Capitol Hill, and thousands more in surrounding areas.

I’ve written about this before, but it’s been a while, and that is presidents who enter the White House without legal training are at a distinct disadvantage, especially in today’s climate of hyper-partisan gotcha politics. The complex legal and regulatory landscape of Washington demands a nuanced understanding of law that non-lawyers often struggle to acquire. While non-lawyers might bring fresh perspectives, particularly if they come from a business background, they frequently lack the legal precision needed to navigate the intricate and treacherous web of federal regulations and legislative processes.

In an era where the politics of personal destruction is rampant, and I’d argue that era began in 1971 but accelerated in 1993, and is now back with a vengeance, having a legal background is more critical than ever. Presidents with legal training are better equipped to defend their policies against legal challenges and political attacks. They understand the intricacies of legal language and can more effectively counter the strategies of opponents who seek to undermine them through litigation and regulatory hurdles.

Lawyers in Congress and federal agencies play a powerful role in shaping and interpreting laws. Presidents with legal acumen can engage more effectively with their political adversaries, understanding the implications of legal language and regulatory frameworks. This legal fluency allows them to drive their agendas forward more effectively, while avoiding potential legal pitfalls. We’ve seen this play out in Florida where Governor DeSantis has been dragged into court repeatedly and yet he prevails consistently.

Moreover, the ability to anticipate and respond to legal maneuvers is crucial in an environment where gotcha politics is the norm. Legal expertise provides a strong foundation for addressing the constant barrage of investigations, subpoenas, and lawsuits that characterize the modern political environment in Washington, D.C.’s infested shark tank. Presidents without this background are often left vulnerable, struggling to keep pace with the rapid-fire legal challenges.

In today’s politically charged legal environment, a figure like Gov. Ron DeSantis, with his legal prowess, would be exceptionally well-equipped to thrive and drive the conservative political agenda. Again, it notes repeating, D.C. is not just a swamp; it’s a shark tank where only the shrewdest and fittest can survive—and DeSantis, the quintessential conservative lawyer and policy maker, is poised to lead the pack.

For that reason, though it seems unlikely, as I’ve written previously, should Trump make his way back into the White House in 2025, he’d be well served to have someone like DeSantis occupying an office adjacent to the West Wing.