“So far, 17 waivers for lobbyists have been granted to join the Trump administration.”
One of President Trump’s most popular mantras on the campaign trail was the promise to “drain the swamp.” I believe most Americans can agree that private interests and lobbyists simply have too much influence in Washington DC. Too often their interests don’t coincide with the greater interests of the American people. Unfortunately, a recent poll found that only 24% of Americans believe that Trump is actually “draining the swamp.”
President Trump’s promise to drain the swamp resonated with many Americans. Unfortunately, the President has failed to live up to his promise. The Trump administration has been granting “waivers” for lobbyists to join his administration at a record breaking pace.
So far, 17 waivers for lobbyists have been granted to join the Trump administration. As for other executive and cabinet branches, data isn’t available. It is likely, however, that lobbyists have also been signing up for work elsewhere. Indeed, numerous K-Street lobbyists have found roles in the government, some working on new issues, others not. For example, star lobbyist Drew Maloney, who previously worked in Oil and Gas, is now the Treasury Department’s liaison to Congress.
Back in January, Trump signed a rule that forbade Administration staffers and former lobbyists from working on issues they had previously represented in the private sector. However, Trump is able to grant waivers. Ethics waivers had to be granted for many of the biggest names in the administration, including Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway. These waivers allow them to work on issues they had previously lobbied for.
This might not sound too nefarious at first glance, why shouldn’t someone work on issues they are experts in? However, with payments already rendered and interests already bundled, it’s possible that the individuals given ethics waivers will not act in the best interests of the American people. They may have loyalty to the interests of industries and lobbying groups they previously worked for.
Consider the case of Shahira Knight, who previously lobbied on tax and retirement issues for Fidelity, one of the largest financial services firms in the world. At present, she is the President’s Special Assistant for tax and retirement policy. One of her biggest victories early on has been delaying the implementation of requirements that financial advisors must act in the best interests of their clients.
You read that right, following a memorandum signed by President Trump back in February, financial advisors for retirees are not necessarily compelled to act in their client’s best interest. Conflicts of interests could conceivably occur. The rules may be implemented this month (June 9th, to be exact) but another delay is also possible.
Elsewhere, special interests could be muscling their way into issues and policies that will affect the American people. Trump won by promising to change Washington’s insular culture and reduce the influence of lobbyists. For the sake of the American people, let’s hope he delivers.
