Trade war creates boom for lobbying firms with access to U.S. President — SkimNews
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- Ballard Partners became D.C.'s highest-earning lobbying firm, reporting more than US$60.4-million in income so far in 2026, fueled by founder Brian Ballard's longstanding ties to Trump that date to their time working together in Florida.
- A record 17,000 clients spent US$2.6-billion lobbying the U.S. federal government in the first two quarters of 2026, with roughly 10% of disclosures trade-related and at least 400 referencing USMCA, according to data from Open Secrets.
- Nine major Canadian companies — including CN Rail, Magna International, Nutrien, Hydro-Québec, Canadian Solar, Apotex, and the Canadian Steel Producers Association — collectively spent US$3.6-million lobbying Washington over the past six months, hiring top firms like Akin Gump and BGR Group.
- Ned's Club, a private members' club two blocks from the White House on 15th Street NW, has become the buzziest networking spot for lobbyists, politicians, and White House staffers, charging a $5,000 initiation fee plus $5,000 in annual dues.
- Mike Pence's conservative advocacy group Advancing American Freedom criticized the lobbying surge, arguing that "while big businesses have the resources to pay K Street to lobby for tariff carve-outs, families and small businesses are left to pay the full tariff tax."
- Lobbying focus has shifted from Congress to the executive branch because Trump issues major decisions through executive orders and Congress is gridlocked, with Ballard partner Hunter Morgen saying trade lobbying involves "leveraging connections across the White House and the offices of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce and the Treasury."
Why it matters: The trade war has shifted lobbying's center of gravity from Congress to the White House, concentrating influence among firms with direct Trump ties. With Canadian firms alone spending $3.6 million in six months and at least 400 disclosures referencing USMCA, access now costs more — and critics argue the system lets big businesses secure carve-outs while everyday consumers absorb the tariff burden.
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