His presidency has changed the rules of influence in the nation’s capital — and spawned a new breed of lobbyist on K Street.
“So much for draining the swamp. Former Trump aides are cashing in on their connections to the administration as lobbyists. Overnight these political operatives went from obscurity to the top of Washington food chain, pulling in huge consulting contracts and scores of new clients.
“Companies are forking over tens of thousands of dollars, far above the going rate for traditional lobbying firms, for their access to the administration. One billionaire even offered a Trump insider a million dollars for a photo with the president in the Oval Office.
“The big dollar fees are paying off. Oil refiner Citgo recently secured a special exemption from new sanctions on Venezuela.The company's lobbyists are none other than former Trump aides: Barry Bennett and Bud Cummins, who were paid $160,000 to lobby the White House.
“At the same time, Trump has granted staffers-turned-consultants unprecedented access to the White House. For example, former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski takes rides on Air Force One even as he builds his consulting business.
“These lackeys also have a hand in foreign affairs, arranging phones calls with heads of state, coordinating official visits, and brokering meetings. Their clients include Albania, Saudi Arabia, the Czech Republic, and others.
“In order to avoid certain disclosure requirements, Trump's swamp creatures operate as an "advisory" service, a loophole that allows them to avoid registering as a lobbyist. Trump is turning this country into a kleptocracy, where members of his inner circle have access to the levers of power for their own profit,” -- Robert Reich
By Nicholas Confessore
