President Donald Trump’s administration has triggered a surge in lobbying activity, with K Street firms recording record-breaking revenues. The first six months of Trump’s term have seen an unprecedented demand for lobbying services, driven by the constant stream of policy announcements and the GOP’s megabill. Ballard Partners, led by Trump fundraiser Brian Ballard, has emerged as the top lobbying firm, with revenues exceeding previous records. This trend highlights the significant influence of Trump’s policies on the lobbying industry and the reshaping of power dynamics in Washington.
According to a POLITICO analysis, the lobbying industry has experienced a significant increase in demand, with many firms reporting substantial growth in revenue. Ballard Partners, which previously employed White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Attorney General Pam Bondi, brought in $20.6 million in lobbying revenues during the second quarter of the year from clients such as Palantir, American Express, TikTok, Ripple Labs, and UnitedHealth. This is more than four times what the firm earned during the second quarter of 2024.
Other firms have also benefited from the surge in lobbying activity, with the top 20 firms by revenue showing that only two saw a decline in their earnings compared to the same time last year. The lobbying figures reported this week do not include revenue from public affairs or consulting work, or foreign agent work. Rich Gold, who heads up the public policy and regulation group at Holland & Knight, noted that the need for political intelligence and advocacy has expanded beyond the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with numerous companies seeking representation due to the high level of uncertainty.
Ballard’s success has come at the expense of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, which previously held the top spot in quarterly revenue rankings since 2021. Brownstein reported $18.5 million in lobbying revenues during Q2, setting the firm’s own quarterly record. Other Trump-linked competitors are also cashing in, with firms like Miller Strategies and Continental Strategy reporting significant increases in their revenue. The continued impact of Trump’s policy initiatives, including the ongoing trade policy disruptions and various executive orders, is expected to sustain the high level of lobbying activity for the foreseeable future.
The lobbying industry anticipates that the current surge in activity will continue, even after the signing of the megabill. Despite this, some experts believe that the Trump-driven realignment may not persist in the long term. Karishma Page, a partner at K&L Gates, emphasized that the current period represents a high watermark for lobbying demand, with continued attention needed due to the various executive orders and the complexity of regulatory work. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff policies and the need to navigate must-pass legislation for government funding and reauthorization of farm and defense policies further drive the demand for lobbying services.