Character

Max

Max works as an aide to First Lady Abbey Bartlet, her nephew who handles her policy priorities including a $12 million CDC immunization education earmark. He demands answers from Josh Lyman after discovering the funds traded away in budget talks, follows Josh into the hallway in anger, and plans to alert Abbey. Josh dismisses him as inexperienced and an idiot, prompting Abbey to consider a professional chief of staff. Staff later suspect Max of sneaking the earmark back into HHS documents, though Josh denies his involvement. Max operates at the intersection of First Lady initiatives and White House budget fights.

7 appearances

Also known as: MAX

Max's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

7 moments

S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

Josh Relinquishes the Paperwork — Lets Donna Take It

Not present; externally positioned as a concern that has been managed (at least per Josh).

Max is referenced as someone with whom Josh has a morning meeting; Josh states 'Max is taken care of,' signaling the matter is resolved or deferred.

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S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

The $12 Million Trade — Pragmatism vs. Loyalty

Blindsided and righteously indignant — personally offended on behalf of the First Lady and eager to hold someone accountable.

Challenges Josh about the missing earmark on behalf of the First Lady, expresses surprise and anger, calls out the lack of notice, then follows Josh into the hallway intent on …

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S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

Abbey Demands $12M; Josh Orders Professionalize Her Office

Not on-screen; inferred to be vulnerable and underestimated, likely unaware of being publicly criticized.

Max is not physically present in the scene but is invoked repeatedly; Josh dismisses him as an 'idiot' and Abbey defends him as her nephew, making him the focal point …

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S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

Napkin Flame: Amy's Confession and Political Prowess

Not present; implied vulnerability and professional frustration through Abbey's anecdote.

Max is referenced indirectly as the person who lost the $12 million earmark to Josh; he is not present but his loss serves as the specific example prompting Abbey's critique …

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S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

Amy's Tactical Flattery

Not present; referenced sympathy and indignation are implied by Abbey's line.

Max is referenced as the person Josh beat out of a $12 million earmark; he is not present but functions as a rhetorical device about intra‑White House fights.

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S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

Donna Hired as First Lady's Chief of Staff — Josh Stung

Not directly shown; implied to be vulnerable or under threat of accusation.

Max is invoked by Maddi as the obvious suspect for altering the galleys; Josh defends him verbally, denying Max's knowledge, making Max a focal point for blame though he does …

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S4E17 · Red Haven's On Fire

Unapproved Earmark and a Stinging Promotion

Not present physically; implied to be defensive or blindsided if informed — cast as suspected but unproven.

Max is referenced by Maddi as the likely person who could have moved the money; he is not present but immediately becomes a suspected scapegoat in the bullpen's speculative chain.

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Affiliation

Department of Health and Human Services