US President Donald Trump’s new chief of staff, Stephen Miller, has moved to tighten access for lobbyists at the White House, requiring staff members to seek prior approval before meeting registered lobbyists on policy-related matters.According to a memo issued by Miller’s office, White House staff must obtain clearance from the Office of White House Counsel before holding such meetings on the White House complex.“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,” the memo said, as reported by Politico.The new requirement applies to meetings with registered lobbyists concerning government policy. The Office of Public Liaison will continue to be the primary point of contact for engagement with outside stakeholders, the memo added.The move marks a shift in how the Trump administration engages with Washington’s powerful lobbying industry, with Miller known for his ideological approach and limited interest in relationship-driven lobbying.A dozen Republican lobbyists told Politico that Miller’s elevation to the chief of staff position could make it harder for corporate interests and lobbying firms to influence the administration during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.“The thing with Stephen is, he’s not someone that a lobbyist goes in and has to crack or try to win over,” Hunter Morgen, a lobbyist at Ballard Partners who worked with Miller during Trump’s first administration, told Politico.“He doesn’t operate based on relationships. He operates based on policy outcomes that will advance the president’s agenda,” Morgen added.Miller, who has been closely associated with Trump since 2016, 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.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.The White House defended the approach, saying Trump’s administration remained focused on the interests of ordinary Americans rather than Washington lobbyists.“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,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said, according to Politico.The spokesperson added that all White House components continued to work together to implement Trump’s America First agenda.
