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Politico
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Politico
How national security has gone local under Trump
With help from Daniel Lippman Subscribe here | Email Eric President DONALD TRUMP's conception of national security is much more domestically focused than his predecessors — as we're seeing play out right now in California. Over the weekend, Trump federalized the California National Guard in response to dayslong protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles — an action no president had taken since 1965. White House spokesperson KAROLINE LEAVITT said Saturday that those actions were 'essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States.' Others, including analysts at MAGA-aligned America First Policy Institute and the Heritage Foundation, have also used the word invasion to describe the effects of illegal immigration. It's the latest example of a Trump approach to national security that focuses mainly on immigration, drugs and trade. That's different from other administrations, which largely conceived of national security through the prisms of threats from militant groups around the world, nuclear proliferation and great power competition. It also may expose the limits of this administration's approach. Constitutional law scholars say the deployment in California strains the legal limits of how the military can be used in domestic law enforcement, as our colleagues Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein report today. California Gov. GAVIN NEWSOM is also suing the Trump administration, arguing Trump's decision to federalize the National Guard broke the law. It's unclear if such challenges could also endanger the larger strategy. In his first 100 days in office, Trump invoked eight declarations of national emergency regarding the southern border, energy and trade according to an NPR analysis, enabling him to unlock wide-ranging executive powers. He has invoked these emergency powers more than any other modern president. 'What I think is really clear and distinct about his second term so far, is that Trump manifests more animus for the enemy within, whatever that means, than for America's adversaries abroad,' said STEPHEN WERTHEIM, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International peace. 'Even China has taken a lower profile in Trump's account of what he and the country are contending with.' Trump has also dispatched some 9,000 U.S. troops along the southern border with Mexico to support a wide-ranging crackdown on immigration and drug smuggling, blurring the lines between defense and domestic law enforcement. Director of National Intelligence TULSI GABBARD has likewise called the threat of gangs and cartels at the southern border as the most 'immediate and direct threat' to national security. Last month, she announced a reorientation of U.S. intelligence collection efforts towards border security and counternarcotics as 'the biggest shift in collection priorities in ODNI history.' To be sure, the international drug trade poses a more real and immediate challenge to many American communities than the overseas national security threats that have long preoccupied Washington. An estimated 48,000 people in the United States died after overdosing on synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, last year. But it is still a striking break with her predecessors to see Gabbard give the drug trade top billing over, say, threats from China against Taiwan and other East Asian allies or the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Trump has also repeatedly invoked national security as a reason for applying tariffs on countries ranging from Canada to China. So far, these redefinitions don't appear to be inspiring much by way of overt Republican criticism, even in the face of accusations Trump is employing an extreme and unconstitutional conception of executive powers in California. Speaker MIKE JOHNSON was the most prominent GOP leader to back Trump's actions, telling ABC on Sunday that the decisions to deploy the National Guard and Marines weren't heavy-handed. The Inbox RUSSIA'S DRONE DRIVE: Russia launched its largest-yet drone attack at Ukraine, as peace efforts to end Moscow's three-year invasion have stalled, per our colleague Ali Walker in Europe. Ukraine is claiming Russia launched almost 500 drones at Ukraine and more than a dozen missiles, in a major attack targeting cities across the country. Ukrainian officials insisted air defenses had shot down hundreds of drones and many missiles, and claimed that injuries were minimal, but Kyiv warns that Russia is likely to keep hitting Ukraine hard. 'Russia is escalating the war and has no intention of stopping it,' said ANDRIY YERMAK, a top adviser to Ukrainian President VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY. 'Any escalation can only be stopped by force.' Read: Modern Tech and Old-School Spycraft are Redefining War by The Wall Street Journal's Yaroslav Trofimov, Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson NATO QUANTUM LEAP: NATO chief MARK RUTTE is warning that Russia could invade the rest of Europe as soon as 2030, and that Europe needs to ramp up defense spending to meet the moment. 'Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years. Let's not kid ourselves, we're all on the eastern flank now,' Rutte said in a speech at Chatham House in London. 'The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defense.' In line with that desired big buildup in defense spending, Canada announced today it would ramp up defense spending to hit the NATO alliance's 2 percent target by the end of the year, per our colleague Mike Blanchfield in Canada. IRAN'S ISSUES: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran stole a trove of documents about an Israeli nuclear research facility, which Tehran is trumpeting as proof Israel has a nuclear weapons program. Per the Associated Press' Stefanie Liechtenstein, IAEA chief RAFAEL GROSSI told reporters that the documents obtained by Iran 'refer to Soreq, which is a research facility which we inspect by the way. We don't inspect other strategic parts of the program, but this part of the program we do inspect.' As Liechtenstein goes on to explain, it's widely believed Israel has an undisclosed nuclear weapons program and that Israel collaborates partially with the IAEA through an 'item-specific safeguards agreement.' The yet-unreleased documents, discussed on Iranian state media over the weekend, purport to show information about Israel's nuclear program. The document theft is seemingly in response to a 2018 Israeli cyberattack against Iran's nuclear program. The breach (it's assumed the documents were obtained via espionage or a hack) could make nuclear talks awkward. Western countries were looking to have the IAEA hold Iran in noncompliance with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog as a way to reimpose sanctions on Tehran. IT'S MONDAY: Thanks for tuning in to NatSec Daily! This space is reserved for the top U.S. and foreign officials, the lawmakers, the lobbyists, the experts and the people like you who care about how the natsec sausage gets made. Aim your tips and comments at ebazail@ and follow Eric on X @ebazaileimil. While you're at it, follow the rest of POLITICO's global security team on X and Bluesky at: @dave_brown24, @HeidiVogt, @jessicameyers, @RosiePerper, @ @PhelimKine, @ak_mack, @felschwartz, @connorobrienNH, @paulmcleary, @reporterjoe, @JackDetsch, @samuelskove, @magmill95, @johnnysaks130 and @delizanickel Keystrokes ITALY PUNTS PARAGON: Italy ended contracts with an Israeli tech company amid allegations the Italian government used spyware to hack into the phones of government critics. Per Reuters' Giuseppe Fonte and Alvise Armellini, Italy nixed a contract with spyware maker Paragon after Meta and Italian investigators earlier this year said the software was used against seven users on WhatsApp, including an Italian journalist and members of the charity group Mediterranea that were critical of Italian Prime Minister GIORGIA MELONI. The announcement, buried in a parliamentary report about the use of Paragon software, was accompanied by accusations the Italian government obtained permission from a prosecutor to use Paragon software on some Italian nationals. The spyware was used to search for ties to potential terrorism, migrant smuggling, organized crime and other criminal activities. Paragon told Italian outlet Fanpage that it stopped providing spyware to Italy when it became public that Fanpage editor FRANCESCO CANCELLATO was implicated. Paragon also told Fanpage the government declined an offer to jointly investigate whether and how he was spied upon. The Complex HEGSETH HIRING HEADACHE: The White House has struggled to find qualified candidates willing to serve in senior Pentagon roles under Defense Secretary PETE HEGSETH, per NBC News' Gordon Lubold, Courtney Kube and Katherine Doyle. Ever since Hegseth dismissed some of his top personal aides, accusing them of leaking to the press, former and current officials say Vice President JD VANCE and White House Chief of Staff SUSIE WILES have worked to support the hiring of new senior Pentagon officials to support the Defense Department chief. But so far, neither has managed to find people who are both willing to work for Hegseth and who have the requisite political bona fides to serve in the Trump administration. The Pentagon and White House have also disagreed on several candidates, according to NBC. The Pentagon pushed back on those claims, telling NBC that 'the anonymous sources cited in this article have no idea what they're talking about.' Hegseth's supporters also show no signs of abandoning the charismatic former Fox News personality. But the claims from former and current officials speak to the culture of dysfunction Hegseth is accused of creating at the Pentagon. Broadsides WARSAW'S NOT WORRIED: Polish Foreign Minister RADOSŁAW SIKORSKI is reassuring the world that the election of nationalist politician KAROL NAWROCKI won't derail Warsaw's support for Ukraine's war effort. In an interview with our colleague Gabriel Gavin in Europe, Sikorski recalled how Nawrocki's party, also that of current President ANDRZEJ DUDA, has been pro-defense spending in the past. 'The majority of defense contracts that we are now financing were signed under the previous government, so I expect him to be pro-defense,' Sikorski said. Sikorski acknowledged that the two camps — the Polish government led by the more pro-Brussels Prime Minister DONALD TUSK and Nawrocki — won't see eye to eye on every issue. But Sikorski said the presence of Nawrocki could even help shore up Poland's ties with Washington and Budapest, which haven't always been on steady footing in recent years. ICYMI — Graham's 'bone crushing' Russia sanctions bill could freeze U.S. trade with the world's largest economies, by Amy Transitions — SHARON BURKE is the new chief engagement officer for global food security organization CIMMYT (a Spanish acronym for the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center). Burke was assistant secretary of Defense for energy in the Obama administration and served as an aide to Deputy Secretary of State RICH ARMITAGE. — BRIAN BETTIS joined Rebel Global Security as a senior adviser covering homeland defense. He retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army earlier this year, following his service as protection director for U.S. Army North. — The University of Virginia announced that CHRIS LU and EVERETT EISSENSTAT will be James R. Schlesinger distinguished professors at the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. Lu served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for management and reform under President JOE BIDEN and Eissenstat was deputy assistant to the president for international economic affairs and deputy director of the National Economic Council in Trump's first term. — RUSS READ has joined the Transportation Security Agency as assistant administrator for strategic communications and public affairs. He was most recently air programs manager at the National Guard Association of the United States. — JASON RATHJE announced that he has stepped down as director of the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital. — ELIOT KANG, the former acting undersecretary of State for arms control and international security, announced that he has left the State Department after more than two decades of service. — Hilco Global has hired former Rep. PATRICK MURPHY and ALEXANDER NIEJELOW, former director for cybersecurity policy on President BARACK OBAMA's National Security Council. — SHANG YI has been sworn in as acting administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration. He most recently was director of investigations for the House Homeland Security Committee. What to Read — Juan Forero, The Wall Street Journal: Soaring Gold Prices Draw Illicit Miners—and Armed Gangs—to Colombia's Jungles — Carmen Paun, Amanda Friedman and Robert King, POLITICO: 'It's made up': Democrats say Rubio isn't playing it straight about foreign aid cuts — MIKE POMPEO, National Review: America Loses If Russia Wins Tomorrow Today — Hudson Institute, 8:45 a.m.: 'Defending in Outer Space.' — Senate Armed Services Committee, 9:30 a.m.: posture of the Department of the Navy in review of the Defense Authorization Request for FY2026 and the Future Years Defense Program. — Atlantic Council, 9:30 a.m.: 'Marine Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Atlantic.' — Hudson Institute, 10 a.m.: 'Adapting the U.S. Nuclear Posture in Response to Adversary Threats.' — House Armed Services Committee, 10 a.m.: 'U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa.' — George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, 11 a.m.: 'Transitional Justice in Syria: An Opportunity for Progress.' — Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, 12 p.m.: A virtual book discussion on 'Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History.' — Atlantic Council, 12 p.m.: Russia's War and the Hague Summit — Asia Society Policy Institute, 12 p.m.: A Population in Flux: The Consequences of China's Demographic Shift.' — Council on Foreign Relations, 1 p.m.: C.V. Starr & Co. Annual Lecture on China on 'Reassessing U.S.-China Relations.' — Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, 2 p.m.: Human Rights in Turkey Today — House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, 2:30 p.m.: Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ties to Combat Chinese Influence — Defense Priorities, 3 p.m.: 'U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence.' Thanks to our editors, Heidi Vogt and Katherine Long, who should not be considered for senior Pentagon roles.
Politico
4 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Ukraine reveals Russia's larger war strategy
With help from Daniel Lippman Subscribe here | Email Eric A delegation of senior Ukrainian officials in Washington offered a stark message this week about the Kremlin's ambitions: Even as President DONALD TRUMP works to coax Moscow into peace talks, Russia has expansive plans to further occupy swathes of territory that could cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea. Ukrainian military intelligence, shared with reporters Wednesday evening, indicates that Moscow is seeking to expand its footprint in eastern Ukraine. This includes seizing all of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the fall before creating a buffer zone along the northern border with Russia by the end of the year, said COLONEL PAVLO PALISA, deputy head of the office of the Ukrainian president VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY. Moscow's plans for the following year are even more ambitious. Palisa told reporters gathered at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington that Russian President VLADIMIR PUTIN seeks to occupy the entirety of Ukraine east of the Dnipro River, which bisects the country. Russia also hopes to seize the southern Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Mykolaiv, he said, which would cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea — a vital conduit for exports of Ukrainian grain. 'Unfortunately, they are not speaking about peace. They are preparing for war,' said Palisa, who briefed a bipartisan group of senators on Wednesday as part of a delegation led by Zelenskyy's chief of staff ANDRIY YERMAK. It's unclear whether Russia can achieve these goals. Moscow is advancing slowly on the battlefield but has struggled to make the kind of large territorial gains seen early in the war. Military analysts predict that Russia will increase the tempo of its operations in a summer offensive to increase pressure on Ukraine, but note that Moscow could struggle to keep up the pace into 2026. Russia shows no intention of wrapping up the war any time soon. Western officials have repeatedly stated that they have seen nothing in their intelligence to suggest that Putin has climbed down from his two main goals in the conflict: to permanently anchor Ukraine to Russia and strike a grand bargain with the West that would renegotiate the post-Cold War security architecture in Europe. This is what Russian officials mean when they talk about solving the 'root causes' of the conflict. 'The Russians want a deal. But they don't see the deal as primarily between them and the Ukrainians,' said GEORGE BEEBE, former director of the CIA's Russia analysis. 'They think this is a long-running geopolitical tug of war between Moscow and Washington,' he said at a briefing organized by the Center for the National Interest. Russia laid out its lofty terms to end the war in a memo presented Monday during negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. It included demands for the international recognition of its annexation of the Crimean peninsula as well as four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Moscow. It called for Ukraine to permanently abandon its ambitions of joining NATO, and for a limit on the size of the country's armed forces — something that officials in Kyiv have indicated is a red line. 'I'm not sure Washington quite grasps the kind of deal that the Russians are looking for,' Beebe said. The Inbox MERZ MEETS TRUMP: German Chancellor FRIEDRICH MERZ made his way into the Oval Office today to meet with Trump and lived to tell the tale, our own Eli Stokols reports. Despite some pre-meeting sniping from Trump allies such as RICHARD GRENELL, which seemed to presage potential tensions, Trump kept the meeting largely cordial. Barbs issued in the meeting were directed at former Chancellor ANGELA MERKEL, whom Merz also dislikes, and the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, which Merz has opposed. the meeting was soon overshadowed by Trump's comments about former adviser and tech mogul ELON MUSK. In the Oval Office, Trump said he 'had a great relationship' with Musk but now isn't sure where the two men stand. The two, hours later, launched a social media tirade against each other. It wasn't entirely a surprise. Merz was invited to stay at Blair House, an honor not extended to other world leaders. But the close attention to the meeting, stemming from Merz's past tough comments towards the U.S., highlights how Trump has used Oval Office sprays with reporters as a cudgel against leaders with whom he has disputes. Related: Trump 101: Inside world leaders' playbook for surviving the Oval Office meeting by Eli, and our own Robbie Gramer and Nick Taylor-Vaisey XI AND TRUMP SPEAK: After not speaking for months, Trump finally got a phone call with Chinese leader XI JINPING, our colleague Megan Messerly and team reports. The two hadn't spoken since Trump's inauguration and the president described it as a 'very good phone call.' Xi, according to Trump, invited the president to visit China. U.S. and Chinese leaders will also meet soon, with Washington represented by Treasury Secretary SCOTT BESSENT, Commerce Secretary HOWARD LUTNICK and Trade Representative JAMIESON GREER. Trump made it seem like the call was exclusively about trade in his post on Truth Social. But the Chinese side was quick to note that Trump requested the call and said that Xi was the one to recommend a course correction in U.S.-China relations, noting that Taiwan was discussed. Read: The 'Fundamental Mistake' in Trump's Trade War With China by our own Phelim Kine MORGAN ORTAGUS OUT: MORGAN ORTAGUS, deputy special envoy to STEVE WITKOFF, will be leaving her role in his office and is expected to get a job elsewhere in the administration, according to three people familiar with the matter. While in the office, she primarily focused on Lebanon and received praise from Republican senators for her work on the file. Her departure comes after she and Witkoff clashed as she sought to broaden her portfolio, the people said. While her next role is still being decided, one possibility is that she could be a deputy ambassador to the United Nations. Jewish Insider was first to report on the move. Ortagus declined to comment. The State Department earlier this week declined to comment on personnel moves in Witkoff's office. IT'S THURSDAY: Thanks for tuning in to NatSec Daily! This space is reserved for the top U.S. and foreign officials, the lawmakers, the lobbyists, the experts and the people like you who care about how the natsec sausage gets made. Aim your tips and comments at ebazail@ and follow Eric on X @ebazaileimil. While you're at it, follow the rest of POLITICO's global security team on X and Bluesky at: @dave_brown24, @HeidiVogt, @jessicameyers, @RosiePerper, @ @PhelimKine, @ak_mack, @felschwartz, @connorobrienNH, @paulmcleary, @reporterjoe, @JackDetsch, @samuelskove, @magmill95, @johnnysaks130 and @delizanickel Keystrokes A LOOMING SPECTRUM DEAL: A top GOP senator is insisting that lawmakers will smooth over final details hanging over a bill to open up access to spectrum for commercial usage. Senate Commerce Chair TED CRUZ of Texas told our colleagues at Morning Tech (for Pros!) that he's 'confident' a deal will get done that opens up spectrum access without compromising important military and intelligence frequencies. Some of the details of ongoing negotiations are already being shared publicly. Sen. MIKE ROUNDS (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, told our colleagues Wednesday that a new agreement in the works would protect those key spectrum bands from auctions through 2034. 'It's looking better than it has in the past, and I think we're going to be able to get everything that we had concerns with,' he said, cautioning that the deal was still pending. But the deal's fate has not yet been sealed. Cable and tech companies worry the GOP's spectrum plan could disrupt a key band of 3.5 GHz spectrum they operate some services in, and they may be ready to fight over the GOP plan. The Complex SCHIFF'S MILK MANEUVER: Sen. ADAM SCHIFF (D-Calif.) took to the Senate floor today to push a resolution urging the Defense Department to reverse course on its decision to rename ships commemorating civil rights advocates. Schiff specifically called out Defense Secretary PETE HEGSETH's decision to rename a ship honoring gay rights advocate and veteran HARVEY MILK and to issue that decision during Pride Month. Schiff also connected the decision to other moves from Hegseth to downplay diversity and inclusion within the U.S. military. 'You can draw a straight line between the Department of Defense and this administration removing JACKIE ROBINSON from its official site and terminating the first woman to lead the military services and a well-respected African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all without cause,' Schiff said. 'I don't understand how these removals promote the 'warrior ethos.'' Schiff pushed for unanimous consent on his resolution, which affirms support for the titles of the other John Lewis Class vessels named after American civil rights leaders. But Sen. TED BUDD (R-N.C.) objected, saying that the Biden administration betrayed Naval tradition by not consulting the 'plank owners' — the officers part of a vessel's original crew — about what they wanted to memorialize in naming the John Lewis Class of vessels. On the Hill FIRST IN NATSEC DAILY — WITKOFF BRIEFS THE GOP: Trump's special envoy STEVE WITKOFF briefed a group of Republican senators focused on national security about the status of U.S. diplomacy with Iran on Thursday morning, according to three people familiar with the meeting. The session, organized by Sen. JOHN BARRASSO (R-Wyo.), came after Trump on Wednesday said Tehran is 'slow-walking its decision' on whether to accept American proposals that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. 'We will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!' Barasso's office confirmed the meeting and said it was off the record. Last month, every GOP senator except for RAND PAUL (R-Ky.) sent Trump a letter urging him to make sure any deal ensures Iran permanently gives up any enrichment capacity. The U.S. has proposed allowing Tehran to enrich uranium for a limited period until the U.S. and allies can create a regional consortium for Iran and its neighbors that will provide civilian nuclear programs with needed fissile material. FIRST IN NATSEC DAILY — SUPPORTING SUDAN ACCOUNTABILITY: A coalition of advocacy groups is backing a bill from Sens. CHRIS MURPHY (D-Conn.) and CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-M.D.) to disapprove of arms sales to the United Arab Emirates over Abu Dhabi's support for the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. In an open letter to senators, organizations including Amnesty International, the Arms Control Association, Foreign Policy for America and the Center for Civilians in Conflict are urging lawmakers to back Murphy and Van Hollen's resolution. The groups argue that 'Civilians in Sudan have endured unimaginable suffering in a war marked by extensive abuses, which have been fueled by flows of weapons into the country.' They add that 'the United States should use its leverage to stem the flow of arms to the devastating conflict in Sudan.' The bill faces an unclear future in the Senate, as Republicans are unlikely to vote to block arms sales to a U.S. ally the Trump administration has boosted cooperation with in recent months. Broadsides RWANDA RESPONDS TO M23 REPORTS: Rwanda is reiterating it has no ties to Congo-based M23, as human rights groups call attention to reports of the militant group's slaughter of civilians in eastern Congo. A Rwandan official, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on behalf of their government, acknowledged to Diya that 'we are sympathetic to their cause.' But the Rwandan official insisted that 'there's no direct communication Rwanda has with M23.' The official also blamed Kinshasa for the turmoil, arguing that 'people in eastern Congo are extremely detached from the capital' and called the region 'an empty non-governed area' that has created 'all sorts of havoc for the neighbors.' The Rwandan rebuttal follows a Tuesday report from Human Rights Watch that M23 executed at least 21 Congolese citizens in February. The Trump administration is reportedly close to brokering a peace deal between Rwanda and Congo to end fighting in Congo's eastern provinces. Transitions — Trump's pick to be U.S. Europe Commander, Lt. Gen. ALEXUS GRYNKEWICH, will also be named Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, our own Paul McLeary reports. — U.S. Ambassador to Georgia ROBIN DUNNIGAN, a career member of the Foreign Service, announced her retirement. Dunnigan was previously the deputy assistant secretary of State responsible for Central and Eastern Europe in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. — ROBERT O'BRIEN, who served as Trump's national security adviser during the first Trump administration, is joining Booz Allen Hamilton's board of directors. — KARI HEERMAN will join the Brookings Institution's economic studies program as a senior fellow and director of trade and economic statecraft on Aug. 11. Heerman, who was previously acting chief economist at the State Department, will lead a new effort to expand and coordinate cross-program work already being done at Brookings. What to Read — Nahal Toosi, POLITICO: Stop Asking How To Make Putin Walk Away From Ukraine. It's the Wrong Question. — Eric Rosenbach and Researchers, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs: Critical and Emerging Technologies Index — Gregory Ross, Americas Quarterly: U.S. and China Spar for Influence on the Paraguay-Paraná River System Tomorrow Today — National Institute for Deterrence Studies, 9 a.m: Deterring the New Pacing Threats of Opportunistic and Coordinated Aggression — Center for Strategic and International Studies, 10:30 a.m.: 'Justice on the Ballot? The Impact of Mexico's Judicial Reform on the Rule of Law and Business Environment.' — Hudson Institute, 3 p.m.: The Evolving Indo-Pacific Order Thanks to our editors, Rosie Perper and Ester Wells, who should never be the namesakes of any Navy vessels.
Politico
30-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Chamber drops six figures on megabill ads
With Daniel Lippman AIR COVER: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a six-figure ad blitz to provide backup for key Republican lawmakers for their support of the House-passed reconciliation package — and knocking several Democratic frontliners for their votes against the bill. — The business lobby is going up with billboards and digital ads thanking 10 House Republicans for voting last week to extend the 2017 tax cuts: Pennsylvania's Mike Kelly, Oklahoma's Stephanie Bice, Ohio's Mike Carey, Utah's Blake Moore, Indiana's Rudy Yakym, South Dakota's Dusty Johnson, California's Davd Valadao, Michigan's Lisa McClain and Arkansas' French Hill and Bruce Westerman. — The campaign will also include ads preemptively thanking Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito ( for their support of the bill. — On the flip side, the Chamber is cutting ads going after a handful of House Democrats in battleground seats for voting against the bill, which the Chamber's ads argue is tantamount to supporting 'the largest tax increase in American history.' Those spots will run in the districts of Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Emilia Sykes of Ohio, Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico and Derek Tran of California, according to a spokesperson. — The ad buy reiterates messaging from the reconciliation bill's supporters that will surely continue through next year's midterms. It is meant to counter the deluge of ads that are already hitting Republican lawmakers over the reconciliation bill's cuts to programs like Medicaid. In addition to the Chamber, which has also been holding events with local affiliates and GOP lawmakers in their districts, groups like the Business Roundtable and Americans for Prosperity have dropped millions in ad support for the package. — 'There is a lot of misinformation being spread about this legislation,' Chamber senior political strategist Ashlee Rich Stephenson said in a statement. Extending the 2017 tax cuts is one of — if not the — top policy priorities for business groups like the Chamber, which said the ad blitz is likely to expand and is aimed at 'educat[ing] the public on why the bill is good for the economy and for creating more jobs with higher wages,' even as deficit hawks on the right call for steeper spending cuts. TGIF and welcome to PI. What's going on out there? You can add me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. BURR LOBBYING FOR TOBACCO COALITION: Former Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) has continued to add new lobbying clients since his cooling-off period to lobby the Hill ended at the beginning of the year. — Among the newest clients for the former ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee is the Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine. Though the group has a barebones online presence, lobbying disclosures show it is backed by tobacco giants Altria, Japan Tobacco International, Reynolds American and Reynolds parent company British American Tobacco. — Burr and a pair of former staffers who have joined him at DLA Piper began lobbying last month on FDA regulation and enforcement policy on behalf of the coalition, according to a disclosure filing. — A spokesperson for the coalition, whose members also sell e-cigarettes, told PI that the group's aim is 'to advocate for urgent reform of FDA regulation of tobacco and nicotine products, in the face of a mass-scale illicit market crisis.' — Cheap, black market vape products have flooded into the U.S. from China in recent years, cutting into sales of FDA-approved products and triggering calls from the tobacco and vape industries alike for a crackdown on illicit vapes, as well as an overhaul of the FDA process for approving and bringing more new products to market — objectives the coalition spokesperson echoed. CHIP SHOT: 'Since the start of this year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has been thrust into an unexpected new role — chief lobbyist for his company — forcing him to carry its hopes, suggestions and pleas directly to President Donald Trump,' The Information's Qianer Liu and Wayne Ma report. — 'Many of Huang's conversations with Trump have happened at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's residence and private club in south Florida, and Huang has made far more visits there than have been publicly reported, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.' — 'Indeed, these tête-à-têtes in Palm Beach have become frequent enough for one Nvidia executive to remark on Huang's absence from the company's Santa Clara, Calif., headquarters 'We see a lot less of Jensen,' the executive said. 'He's traveling to Florida a lot.'' — 'Huang's direct approach to dealing with Trump is a marked break from the past, when Huang generally left it to his lieutenants — and his lieutenants' lieutenants — to handle the company's relationships with the U.S. government. Generally, they engaged in traditional lobbying efforts, speaking regularly to bureaucrats and policymakers in an effort to shape public policy that favored Nvidia.' FORMER FDA POLICY CHIEF RETURNING TO K STREET: Kim Trzeciak, who served as the FDA's deputy commissioner for policy, legislation, and international affairs during the Biden administration, has joined Capitol Hill Consulting Group as a senior vice president. — Trzeciak joined the FDA in 2022 as its top policy official, where she oversaw the agency's policy and legislative strategy and led engagement with Congress and the rest of the federal government as well as state, local and tribal governments and international partners. — She previously worked on the Hill as a top aide on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and for the late Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), with stints at Glover Park Group (now FGS Global) and as an in-house lobbyist at Mylan in between. — Trzeciak will be registering to lobby at CHCG, which represents a number of health care clients like Purdue Pharma, generic drugmaker Teva, Cigna, the Association for Accessible Medicines and dialysis giant Davita. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT: 'Federal authorities are investigating a clandestine effort to impersonate White House chief of staff Susie Wiles ... after an unknown individual reached out to prominent Republicans and business executives pretending to be her,' people familiar with the matter tell The Wall Street Journal's Josh Dawsey. — 'In recent weeks, senators, governors, top U.S. business executives and other well-known figures have received text messages and phone calls from a person who claimed to be the chief of staff, the people familiar with the messages said.' — 'But the messages weren't from Wiles—and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the White House are trying to figure out who is behind the effort and what the goal is, according to some of the people. FBI officials have told the White House they don't believe a foreign nation is involved, some of the people said.' — Wiles, who 'is widely viewed as President Trump's closest adviser' and 'has a deep bench of contacts in Republican circles,' reportedly 'told associates that her [personal] cellphone contacts were hacked, according to some of the people, giving the impersonator access to the private phone numbers of some of the country's most influential people.' Jobs report — Molly Fromm is now vice president and general counsel at the Nickles Group. She previously was general counsel and parliamentarian for House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.). — Growth Energy has added Jared Henderson and Emma Keiser as directors of government affairs. Henderson was most recently a senior policy adviser for Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Keiser was most recently a legislative assistant for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). — Sam Alleman is now director of coalitions for the Human Rights Campaign. He previously was national LGBTQ+ engagement director for the Harris campaign and is a DNC and Planned Parenthood Action Fund alum. — Prominent conservative attorney Kannon Shanmugam is joining the Harvard Corporation. He's a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and is a George W. Bush DOJ alum. — Matthew Creegan will be director of media relations at General Motors. He previously was head of executive comms at the Ford Foundation. — Gautam Raghavan is now a partner in the nonprofit and social impact practice at True Search. He previously was director of presidential personnel in the Biden White House. — Jordan Brewer is joining the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy as a special adviser. Brewer was previously manager of government affairs at the Cato Institute. — Josué Estrada is now COO at the Center for AI Safety. Estrada was previously chief operating officer at both Salesforce and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. — Alyssa Penna is now director of federal policy at United States of Care. She most recently was an analyst at CMS' Office of Legislation. — Jenna Sumar and Kevin Lowery are launching a creative studio, Collection Media. Sumar previously was chief official videographer for the Biden White House. Lowery previously was creative director at Weymouth Watson and is a Stacey Abrams alum. — Cambridge Global Advisors has added Patrick Lechleitner, Elaine Duke, Katie Tobin, Ryan Scudder, Paul Thomas, Tim Devine and Morgan Ryan. — Cindy Dyer is now chief program officer at the McCain Institute. She most recently was U.S. ambassador-at-large to monitor and combat trafficking in persons. New Joint Fundraisers MARSHALL VICTORY FUND (Steve Marshall for Senate, Fighting for Alabama PAC) New PACs ALABAMA CONSERVATIVES (Super PAC) ALABAMA STRONG PAC (Super PAC) AMERICAN MADE AND POWERED (Super PAC) BRINGING VIRGINIA BACK PAC (Super PAC) Dems 2025 (Hybrid PAC) FIGHTING FOR ALABAMA PAC (Leadership PAC: Steven T Marshall) Justice Unites Liberty, Integrity, and America PAC (Leadership PAC: Julia Hashemieh) NESTPOINT PAC (PAC) Power of the People (PAC) United States Working Class Republican Caucus (Hybrid PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Continental Strategy, LLC: Avangrid Continental Strategy, LLC: Lkq Corporation Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.: National Disability Rights Network Dlg Partners (Fka Dragon List Global): White Star Capital USA Inc. Dutko Worldwide, LLC: Pattern Inc. Fgs Global (US) LLC (Fka Fgh Holdings LLC): Johns Hopkins University Fgs Global (US) LLC (Fka Fgh Holdings LLC): Sidley Austin LLP (On Behalf Of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.) Foxhound Advisors: Bell Geospace Foxhound Advisors: Medexpert Goodrx, Inc.: Goodrx, Inc. Icebreaker Strategies, LLC: Community Development Foundation Porterfield, Fettig & Sears, LLC: General Catalyst Group Management, LLC S-3 Group: Oshkosh Corporation Snyder Gressard Strategy: Alaska Wilderness League Snyder Gressard Strategy: League Of Conservation Voters Snyder Gressard Strategy: Oceana Snyder Gressard Strategy: Tides Center Theyfeartruth Federal Government Of America: Theyfeartruth Federal Government Of America Tusk Strategies, LLC: Somos Healthcare Providers, Inc. New Lobbying Terminations Venable LLP: It'S Electric Inc. Venable LLP: Newrange Copper Nickel LLC
Politico
29-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Tether taps a Democrat as crypto bill teeters
With help from Daniel Lippman TETHER ADDS DEM LOBBYING SUPPORT: Crypto giant Tether is among the many financial interests that have tried but failed to get a landmark crypto bill through Congress and to President Donald Trump's desk — in part because of resistance from Democrats. Hoping for a better result as the bill comes up for a vote in the Senate, the El Salvador-based issuer of the top stablecoin in the world is boosting its Democratic representation on K Street. — Tether, known as a 'crypto darling' on the right, has brought on four lobbying firms so far this year, including Miller Strategies, Ridgeline Advocacy Group and Jucundus Business Services — additions that made its roster of hired guns overwhelmingly Republican. — Cue a Democratic newcomer. Lilette Advisors, the firm started last year by alumni of former President Joe Biden, began working for Tether on the GOP-led GENIUS Act beginning on May 6, according to a disclosure filing. Ankit Desai, who worked for Biden during his time in the Senate, is listed as the sole lobbyist on the account. — Days earlier, a group of pro-crypto Democrats abruptly announced their opposition to the bill, which would create the first federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies like stablecoins, which are pegged to the dollar. — Despite bipartisan support for the measure coming out of the Senate Banking Committee, top Democrats including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer raised a number of concerns — including its treatment of foreign issuers like Tether, which does not currently serve U.S. customers. — After tanking a procedural vote on the measure, Democrats won stronger anti-money laundering and foreign issuer provisions in the bill, leading several holdouts to vote to advance the amended version last week. It's set to come up for a final vote after the Memorial Day recess. MORE NEW BUSINESS: Prescription-drug discount provider GoodRx has resumed lobbying Washington and added a new outside lobbying shop. Gary Kline, who joined GoodRx in April to lead its D.C. office, registered this week as the platform's first in-house lobbyist since 2023, according to disclosure filings. — GoodRx has also hired Continental Strategy's Tim Costa and Chris Miles to 'advocate and facilitate meetings regarding digital platforms and healthcare costs' as the company gets into online over-the-counter drug sales. Happy Thursday and welcome to PI. Send K Street tips and gossip. You can add me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. TESLA UNCHAINED: 'Tesla late Wednesday criticized the Republican megabill for gutting clean energy tax credits, a message amplified by CEO Elon Musk hours after he announced he was leaving the Trump administration,' POLITICO's James Bikales writes. — ''Abruptly ending the energy tax credits would threaten America's energy independence and the reliability of our grid,' Tesla Energy, the company's solar and battery division, wrote on X.' — The division, which James writes 'has has seen faster growth and higher profits than its vehicle business in recent years,' urged senators to include 'sensible wind down' of residential solar and clean electricity investment credits from the Inflation Reduction Act in their changes to the House-passed reconciliation bill. — Musk, who said this week he's withdrawing from his role at DOGE, has previously supported ending all government subsidies — even arguing that Tesla would actually see a boost from the end of EV incentives. He 'later amplified [Tesla Energy's] message on his personal X account, along with a post from another user that said 'slashing solar energy credits is unjust.'' MORE LAYOFFS AT PURPLE: Brand reputation and public affairs firm Purple Strategies announced another round of layoffs this morning, just months after laying off 10 percent of its staff. — 'Political disruption, business uncertainty, financial pressures, and new rules of influence are reshaping the world,' Kristen Morgante, Purple's managing partner and COO, said in a post on LinkedIn, writing that social media and artificial intelligence have 'democratized' the 'ability to challenge power,' prompting the need for an overhaul of the firm. — Morgante said that Purple will be sharing 'new developments,' including new partnerships and predictive data capabilities, but noted that 'the very difficult part of this transformation is that it involves parting ways with several of our team members.' — The latest cuts did not come as a huge surprise to some in the firm, one person familiar with the matter told PI. In February, the firm laid off 18 staffers from its content, creative, media planning and buying teams, in what leaders said was meant to better position the company to compete in Washington. — But the changes foreshadowed as a result of those cuts didn't materialize, while new business slowed, according to the person. It's not clear how many employees were affected by the most recent cuts. Morgante did not respond to a request for comment. ICYMI — REMITTANCE TAX TRIGGERS FINTECH PUSHBACK: 'Industry groups representing fintechs, payment businesses and banks are dialing up their public opposition' to a provision in the House-passed reconciliation bill that would slap a new tax on remittances sent abroad by non-U.S. citizens, per POLITICO's Sam Sutton. — 'On its face, the measure raises revenue from immigrants who send money out of the country. Trump has suggested he'd like to 'shut down' the outward flow of funds sent by undocumented immigrants, and top Republicans like GOP Policy Committee Chair Kevin Hern of Oklahoma have identified those transactions as a way to boost funding for national security projects.' — In a letter to top congressional tax writers this week, the American Fintech Council argued the language 'would have a 'disproportionate impact on already-marginalized communities seeking to contribute to the U.S. economy' and expressed concerns about how it's inconsistent with existing state-level regulations,' Sam reports. — It 'represents an escalation in industry-level pushback to the controversial remittance tax. Many Wall Street and financial industry groups have refrained from airing their specific grievances with Trump's legislative agenda, but the AFC's missive suggests that opposition to major components of the bill will grow in the coming weeks as Senate lawmakers plan substantial revisions to the legislation passed by House Republicans.' — In another letter objecting to the provision sent Wednesday, AFC was joined by six other trade groups including another fintech lobby, the Financial Technology Association, and the Electronic Transactions Association, whose members include JPMorgan Chase and Visa. Jobs report — Lisa Costello is retiring from her role as vice president of political affairs at the National Multifamily Housing Council after 11 years with the trade group. — Kevin Barstow has joined O'Melveny as a partner in the health care practice and congressional investigations team. He was most recently senior counsel and assistant to Biden and is an HHS, Commerce Department, House Energy and Commerce and Senate Aging Committee alum. — Andy Slavitt will be co-chair of the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network Executive Forum. Slavitt was acting CMS administrator during the Obama administration and a senior adviser on the Biden White House's Covid response team. — Emmy Ruiz is joining Somos Votantes as senior adviser. She previously was senior adviser to the president and director of the office of political strategy and outreach in the Biden White House. — NewDEAL is adding Natasha Dabrowski as chief of staff, Christian Hall as press secretary and Alex Chanen as leader services manager. — Vedant Patel is now a senior vice president in SKDK's public affairs practice. He previously was principal deputy spokesperson at the State Department. — Preeya Noronha Pinto is joining DLA Piper as a partner in its health care practice. She previously was at King & Spalding, and is a Bush HHS alum. — Linda Goler Blount is now president and CEO of Community Catalyst. She previously was president and CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative. — Melanie Fonder Kaye has joined the National League of Cities as senior executive and director of digital engagement, marketing and communications. She previously was deputy assistant to the secretary of Defense for strategic engagement and is a Jill Biden alum. New Joint Fundraisers New England Democratic Victory Fund (New Hampshire Democratic Party, Rhode Island Democratic State Committee, Maine Democratic Party, Vermont Democratic Party, Massachusetts Democratic State Committee - Fed Fund, Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee) The Next 50 Victory Committee (The Next 50 PAC, The Next 50 Enterprise Fund, The Next 50 Alumni PAC) New PACs None. New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP: Montgomery Airport Authority Catalyst Global Strategies, LLC: The Roosevelt Group (On Behalf Of Air Tractor Inc.) Collective Strategies & Communications (Formerly Collective Communications LLC): Flash Forest Inc. Continental Strategy, LLC: Goodrx, Inc. Corcoran & Associates, Inc. Dba Corcoran Partners: Mutualink, Inc. Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.: Georgia Hospital Association, Inc. Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: Atomic Machines, Inc. Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: Cirrus Design Corporation Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: Spokane Airport Board Fgs Global (US) LLC (Fka Fgh Holdings LLC): Ccf Community Initiatives Fund First Day Pr: Blue State Action, Inc. Lilette Advisors: Tether Operations, S.A. De C.V. Mcguirewoods Consulting (A Subsidiary Of Mcguirewoods LLP): African American Alliance Of Cdfi Ceos Mclarty Inbound LLC: Wieland North America, Inc. Mercury Public Affairs, LLC: Shutterstock Mercury Public Affairs, LLC: The Kinetic Group Operations LLC Mindset Advocacy, LLC: Century Aluminum Mr. Robert Francis Mcdonnell: Tri-City Properties, L.L.C. Ridge Path Strategies: Business Software Alliance, Inc. S2R, LLC: Stillwater Mining Co. (D/B/A Sibanye-Stillwater) Thorn Run Partners: Moore Nanotechnology Systems Turbovets, Inc.: Turbovets, Inc. Whitmer & Worrall, LLC: AHIP Williamson Law + Policy Pllc: Coalition For The USe Of Safe And Efficient Refrigerants Winning Strategies Washington: Integrity House New Lobbying Terminations Eqv Strategic: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USa Inc.
Politico
27-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Braves tap ex-Thune aides to bat down tax hike
With Daniel Lippman KEEP CHOPPING: The Atlanta Braves have added to their rotation of outside lobbyists to help the MLB franchise avoid a giant tax bill in a few years. Alston & Bird began working last month on behalf of the ball club's publicly owned parent company on 'issues related to the taxation of publicly traded professional sports teams,' according to a disclosure filing. — Joe Boddicker, a former tax counsel to Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and former tax adviser to now-Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Jane Lucas, another fellow Thune aide who also worked for President Donald Trump, are working on the account along with Jonathan Jagoda. — The Braves became the only publicly traded MLB franchise in 2023. Absent any changes, that will subject the club to a new tax provision limiting public companies from writing off the salaries of their highest-paid employees — which in this case would mean the team's star players. Atlanta's payroll is typically in the top third of the league. — The tweak is a result of President Joe Biden's 2021 pandemic relief package, which broadened existing restrictions on tax deductions for highly paid executives by extending the $1 million cap on deductions to a public company's five highest-paid employees. — The change doesn't go into effect until 2027, but it could saddle the Braves with a $19 million tax hike, Bloomberg estimated last month — a tax bill that the Braves' peers around the league don't need to worry about. — The Braves hired another lobbying firm, Atlanta-based Freeman Mathis Decisions, in February to lobby on the tax change, according to disclosure filings. The reconciliation bill passed by House Republicans last week would broaden the scope of the deduction limit, rather than rein it in — though that could change in the Senate. — Though the Braves are the only MLB franchise that stands to be hit with a tax hike as a result of the new rule, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., the publicly owned parent company of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, could also newly qualify under the change. Madison Square Garden paid Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies $40,000 to lobby on tax policy during the first quarter of 2025, its first lobbying payments to the firm since 2021, according to disclosure filings. Happy Monday and welcome to PI. Send K Street tips and gossip. You can add me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. FIRST IN PI – WELLS FARGO TO DROP FORECLOSURES ON COURTOVICH: Wells Fargo is dropping three foreclosures it had put on lobbyist Jim Courtovich for two houses he owns as well as a home equity loan, Daniel reports. — The bank filed a foreclosure complaint against him saying he hadn't made his mortgage payments in recent months. Wells Fargo had loaned him $2.7 million in 2012 for a 4,600 square foot, 5-bedroom house, which Zillow says is now worth almost $5 million. — Courtovich told PI, however, that he had paid Wells Fargo $1 million two years ago but the money wasn't properly applied to his mortgages and home equity loan. Courtovich has used his house in the posh Normanstone neighborhood to entertain clients, friends, and other D.C. luminaries at lavish parties. There is a pool in the backyard and a new kitchen on the ground level. — PI reported last month that Wells Fargo was having trouble serving a foreclosure notice on his Capitol Hill townhouse after he entered into default on it in the winter. Courtovich has tangled with investors over the house as they try to get him to pay back a multimillion dollar loan to his lobbying firm. — While the issue with his investors remains outstanding, Wells Fargo is withdrawing its litigation against Courtovich. 'There were apparently accounting recording issues,' he said in a text message. 'All has been fixed and both mortgages are paid through the end of the year. At that point I will owe less than 10 percent on my home,' referring to his Normanstone house. — A Wells Fargo spokesperson said the bank is 'pleased to have worked with Mr. Courtovich to resolve this situation.' — Courtovich had a starring role in Brody and Luke Mullins' 'The Wolves of K Street' book, which recounted his connection to a Genentech lobbyist who had misappropriated company money and later committed suicide. — In late 2016, Courtovich also helped Trump ally Michael Flynn publish an op-ed on behalf of Turkey, which sparked controversy, and he has worked with numerous European financial institutions, Russian banks and foreign countries like Ethiopia, among the more than 100 clients during his career. WHAT ARE PARENTS FOR?: 'As Paul Walczak awaited sentencing early this year, his best hope for avoiding prison time rested with the newly inaugurated president. Mr. Walczak, a former nursing home executive who had pleaded guilty to tax crimes days after the 2024 election, submitted a pardon application to President Trump around Inauguration Day. The application focused not solely on Mr. Walczak's offenses but also on the political activity of his mother, Elizabeth Fago,' The New York Times' Ken Vogel writes. — 'Ms. Fago had raised millions of dollars for Mr. Trump's campaigns and those of other Republicans, the application said. It also highlighted her connections to an effort to sabotage Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s 2020 campaign by publicizing the addiction diary of his daughter Ashley Biden — an episode that drew law enforcement scrutiny.' — 'Still, weeks went by and no pardon was forthcoming, even as Mr. Trump issued clemency grants to hundreds of other allies. Then, Ms. Fago was invited to a $1-million-per-person fund-raising dinner last month that promised face-to-face access to Mr. Trump at his private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla. Less than three weeks after she attended the dinner, Mr. Trump signed a full and unconditional pardon.' ANNALS OF ETHICS: The Washington Post's Douglas MacMillan and Aaron Schaffer have a look today at the consulting career of Tom Homan, Trump's border czar whose recent clients have included private prison giant GEO Group, which stands to receive a massive payday from Trump's deportation efforts. — 'Before he joined the administration, border czar Tom Homan earned an undisclosed amount in fees consulting for a division of the GEO Group, one of two companies that operates the vast majority of the nation's immigrant detention facilities, according to the disclosure, which was released last week.' — 'The filing, which has not been previously reported, did not specify what work Homan performed. The document said GEO paid him more than $5,000 during the two years preceding his government appointment in January. Ethics rules do not require any more specific disclosure, and the amount Homan received could be far higher.' — Also on the ethics front: 'A Texas oil executive from Elon Musk's government efficiency team has been given sweeping powers to overhaul the federal department that manages vast tracts of resource-rich public lands, but he hasn't divested his energy investments or filed an ethics commitment to break ties with companies that pose a conflict of interest,' The Associated Press' Martha Bellisle reports. IF YOU MISSED IT OVER THE LONG WEEKEND: 'If you want to know who's running the State Department these days, it helps to peruse the website of a relatively new, conservative-leaning organization called the Ben Franklin Fellowship,' per POLITICO's Nahal Toosi. — 'The group's roster includes Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau, top officials in bureaus such as consular affairs, and even an acting undersecretary or two. The fellows include current and former members of the foreign service, as well as other international affairs specialists. — 'And while the Fellowship describes itself as nonpartisan, its right-of-center views are obvious: It emphasizes goals such as border security; opposes typical diversity, equity and inclusion practices; and advocates for the careful use of U.S. resources abroad.' Jobs report — Baillee Brown is now head of government and external affairs at Inclusive Abundance. She previously was chief of staff for Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.). — Scott Weathers is now associate director of government affairs at Americans for Responsible Innovation. He previously was energy and environment policy adviser for Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) — Hannah Suh has joined the Cohen Group as chief of staff. Suh is a Biden administration alum who was previously senior adviser to the undersecretary of State for civilian security, democracy and human rights and a policy adviser on Indo-Pacific issues at the National Security Council. — Mira Rapp-Hooper will be a partner at The Asia Group. She previously was senior director for East Asia and Oceania and director for Indo-Pacific strategy at the Biden NSC. — Nick Elliott is now director at L2 Data. He previously was a director at RumbleUp. — Carl Holshouser is joining CoreWeave as vice president for government affairs. He most recently was executive vice president and head of federal policy and government relations at TechNet. — Andrew Vontz has launched One Real Voice, a boutique firm coaching political leaders on being podcast guests and hosts. He is a Strava alum. — Patrick Lohmeyer is now the vice president of international network programs and partnerships at United Way Worldwide. He previously held executive roles at numerous international development consultancies, serving most recently as CEO at LINC. — Sarah Flaim is now head of congressional affairs at Forterra. She most recently was a managing director at DCI Group, and is a Hill alum. — Jared Henderson is now a director of government affairs at Growth Energy. He previously was senior policy adviser for Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). — Julie Cerqueira is joining the Natural Resources Defense Council as chief program officer. She most recently served as principal deputy assistant secretary for international affairs at the Energy Department and was the inaugural executive director of the U.S. Climate Alliance. New Joint Fundraisers Roberson Victory Committee (SANDY ROBERSON FOR NC, Eastern North Carolina - ENCPAC) New PACs Defend the Taxpayers PAC (Super PAC) Doverwick & Associates LLC (PAC) Fighting For Democracy (Leadership PAC: John Gregory Vincent) Hanover Bancorp, Inc. PAC (PAC) LOUISIANA FREEDOM FUND (Super PAC) SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FIRST (Super PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Alston & Bird LLP: Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. Alston & Bird LLP: Oregon Health & Science University Baseline Strategies, LLC: Atlas Crossing On Behalf Of Deterrence Defense Inc. Dla Piper LLP (US): Coalition For Smarter Regulation Of Nicotine DLG Partners: White Star Capital USA Inc. Ferox Strategies: Rare Disease Company Coalition Fierce Government Relations: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC Franklin Square Group, LLC: Belkin International, Inc. Icebreaker Strategies, LLC: Accelint Holdings, LLC King & Spalding LLP: Mueller Water Products, Inc. King & Spalding LLP: Prysmian Cables And Systems USA, LLC Klein Law Group Pllc: Spokane Regional Broadband Development Authority Broadlinc Maven Advocacy Partners LLC: Radiant Nuclear Mercury Public Affairs, LLC: The Kinetic Group Operations LLC Mgb Consulting: Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Port Side Strategies, LLC: Virginia Organizing Timothy R. Rupli & Associates, Inc.: Snap Finance, LLC New Lobbying Terminations Dla Piper LLP (US): Discover Financial Services, Inc. Rosemont Group: International Longshore And Warehouse Union The Madison Group: Coinbase, Inc.
