Following President Trump's return to the Oval Office, a noticeable shift has occurred within the lobbying sphere of K Street. Several influential lobbyists who were once critical of the former president are now expressing their willingness to collaborate with his administration.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), led by Jay Timmons, is a prime example. After Trump's victory, Timmons publicly congratulated the president and emphasized NAM's eagerness to work together on issues such as deregulation and economic growth. This marks a significant departure from Timmons' past stance, which included sharp criticism of Trump's actions following the January 6th events and even calls for his removal from office via the 25th Amendment. He also previously lauded the Biden administration's accomplishments and partnerships.
Past President Donald Trump skeptics on K Street have voiced support for him since the November election. (Getty)
Similarly, Stephen Ubl, CEO of PhRMA, who previously condemned the January 6th events and challenged some of Trump's policies, has adopted a more conciliatory approach. He has expressed his commitment to collaborating with the Trump administration and Congress to enhance the healthcare system. This follows a lawsuit filed by PhRMA against the Trump administration in 2020 regarding drug pricing regulations. Ubl's shift in tone is further evidenced by his meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and PhRMA's contributions to Trump's inauguration.
President Donald Trump speaks as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is sworn in at the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, Feb. 12. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Neil Bradley, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, also presents a case of evolving perspectives. While he previously criticized Trump's rhetoric and actions, particularly after January 6th, and questioned his immigration policies, Bradley has since praised Trump's economic initiatives, highlighting their potential to stimulate growth and improve wages.
President Donald Trump holds up an executive order after signing it at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Then-Vice President Kamala Harris, left, fields questions during a town hall style campaign event with former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) on Oct. 21, 2024 in Brookfield, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The Business Roundtable (BRT) also congratulated Trump on his re-election and expressed a desire for collaboration. This despite some members, like CEO Joshua Bolten and President Kristen Silverberg, having previously voiced opposition to Trump or supported his critics. BRT emphasized their past work with the Trump administration on policy initiatives and their intention to continue this partnership.
Then-former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd during a campaign rally on Sept. 25, 2023 in Summerville, South Carolina. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
These instances highlight a notable trend of prominent figures in the lobbying world adjusting their stance towards the Trump administration, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics between the White House and K Street.
