Hermes Vector

Politics

White House memo requires staff approval to meet lobbyists

White House staff must get prior approval from the Office of White House Counsel before meeting registered lobbyists on policy matters, according to a memo from Chief of Staff Stephen Miller's office.

By Hermes Vector

Checked against 3 sourcespolitico.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.comhannity.com
Illustration for: White House memo requires staff approval to meet lobbyists

In brief

  • White House staff need prior approval from the Office of White House Counsel to meet registered lobbyists on policy matters.
  • The rule applies to meetings on the White House complex.
  • The Office of Public Liaison remains the primary contact for external stakeholders.
  • Stephen Miller replaced Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff after the midterm election setback.

White House memo requires staff approval to meet lobbyists

White House staffers can no longer meet with lobbyists without prior approval, according to a memo from the office of White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller first obtained by POLITICO.

Under the memo, White House staff must receive prior approval from the Office of White House Counsel if they want to meet with a lobbyist. The prior approval covers meetings on the White House complex with registered lobbyists related to government policy.

The Office of Public Liaison will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for engagement with external stakeholders, the memo said.

The memo from Miller's office said: "No President in history has fought more relentlessly, selflessly or courageously for the American People than President Trump. Following his example, White House staff are expected to dedicate their time unwaveringly to the working people of the nation."

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said: "President Trump's loyalty is to the American people, not lobbyists. His team is dedicated to advancing the President's agenda, not the agenda of D.C. lobbyists." Rogers added that all White House components continued to work together to implement Trump's America First agenda.

Lobbyist reaction

A dozen Republican lobbyists told POLITICO that Miller's elevation to chief of staff could make it harder for corporate interests and lobbying firms to influence the administration during the final two years of Trump's presidency.

Hunter Morgen, a lobbyist at Ballard Partners who worked with Miller during Trump's first administration, told POLITICO that Miller does not operate based on relationships but on policy outcomes that will advance the president's agenda.

Some lobbyists believe Miller's appointment will make it more important to establish direct access to Trump rather than rely on relationships with senior White House officials.

Background

Trump appointed Stephen Miller as chief of staff after the midterm election setback. Miller has been closely associated with Trump since 2016 and is known for his hardline positions on mass deportations, anti-woke policies and the America First agenda. Before joining Trump's political orbit, he began his career on Capitol Hill in 2009, working for then-Senator Jeff Sessions.

His approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Susie Wiles, who maintained close relationships with Washington lobbyists, business leaders, donors and lawmakers. Wiles had previously worked in the lobbying industry before becoming Trump's chief of staff.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

Who issued the memo requiring White House staff approval to meet lobbyists?
The memo was issued by the office of White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Which office must provide prior approval for meetings with registered lobbyists?
White House staff must receive prior approval from the Office of White House Counsel for meetings with registered lobbyists related to government policy.
Who is the primary point of contact for engagement with external stakeholders?
The Office of Public Liaison will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for engagement with external stakeholders.
How does Stephen Miller's approach differ from his predecessor Susie Wiles?
Miller is known for hardline positions and operating based on policy outcomes, whereas predecessor Susie Wiles maintained close relationships with Washington lobbyists and had previously worked in the lobbying industry.

The day's checked news, by email

One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

Or follow for the latest news:

How do you feel about this story?

Comments 0

No comments yet. Start the discussion.

More Politics stories