White House staff must get approval before meeting lobbyists, says Miller
New rules issued by Chief of Staff Stephen Miller require staff to seek clearance from the Office of White House Counsel for policy meetings.
White House staff members are now required to seek prior approval before meeting with registered lobbyists on policy-related matters, according to a report by the Times of India. The new rule was introduced by the new chief of staff, Stephen Miller.
A memo issued by Miller’s office states that staff must obtain clearance from the Office of White House Counsel before holding such meetings within the White House complex. The Office of Public Liaison will remain the primary point of contact for engagement with outside stakeholders.
The memo stated that White House staff are expected to dedicate their time to the working people of the nation, following the example of President Donald Trump. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the administration remains focused on the interests of ordinary Americans rather than lobbyists.
Hunter Morgen, a lobbyist at Ballard Partners, told Politico that Miller does not operate based on relationships but on policy outcomes that advance the president’s agenda. Morgen previously worked with Miller during the first Trump administration.
The move marks a shift from the approach of former chief of staff Susie Wiles, who maintained close relationships with lobbyists and business leaders. Some lobbyists believe the appointment will make direct access to Trump more important than relying on relationships with senior officials.
