Susie Wiles' old lobbying firm in crosshairs of MAGA feud
Summary
Calley Means, a former aide to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accused lobbying firm Ballard Partners and former Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles of influencing White House policy for industry clients. Ballard and Wiles denied the claims, as scrutiny of lobbying and political connections grows amid Republican infighting.Key Facts
- Wiles worked as a managing partner at Ballard Partners for nearly a decade and left in 2019.
- Means alleged that Ballard Partners and Trump advisers favored industries that supported Republicans ahead of the midterms.
- Brian Ballard said the firm's interactions with Wiles as chief of staff were limited and exceptional.
- Ballard Partners reported more than $88 million in lobbying revenue last year, according to a CBS News analysis of Senate disclosures.
- The firm reported more than $98 million in lobbying revenue through the first three quarters of 2026.
- Ballard has raised campaign funds for Trump and chaired Florida finance committees for earlier Republican presidential nominees.
- Ballard Partners represents RAI Services Company, a Reynolds American subsidiary that has paid the firm millions since 2017.
- The White House said the administration does not allow outside groups to influence policy decisions.
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