The New Gold Rush for MAGA Lobbyists

The city of Washington D.C. has always been a hub for lobbyists and influencers, but in recent years, it has become a hotbed for those with strong ties to former President Donald Trump's administration.

"November 4 was the day K Street died," said Ches McDowell, a 35-year-old Republican lobbyist who has quickly made a name for himself in the nation's capital. "The lobby firms' old relationships don't work anymore." As a testament to his connections, McDowell greeted me with a 700-pound stuffed bear named after Donald Trump Jr., and a chess table with the office Wi-Fi password, TRUMPWONTHREETIMES!

A Career in Lobbying

McDowell's journey into lobbying began as a bankruptcy lawyer before setting up his own firm in North Carolina. However, it was only after his younger brother became a congressman that he decided to make the move to Washington D.C. By April of this year, McDowell had already signed more than 130 new clients and brought in $14 million, making it his biggest quarter ever.

Pardons: A Lucrative Business

One area where lobbyists can now capitalize on their connections is by helping those seeking pardons from President Trump. In recent months, the president has issued a flurry of pardons, and many are raking in millions of dollars as middlemen. Todd and Julie Chrisley, reality-TV stars convicted of evading taxes and defrauding banks, hired a lawyer named Alex Little who successfully helped them with their case.

"Not if they have money," said Little. "Pardon shopping isn't new, but the sales season is bigger and longer than ever." One lobbyist, Barry Bennett, joked that he's planning to be in line for preemptive pardons if J.D. Vance becomes the next president.

A Changing Landscape

The landscape of K Street has changed significantly since Trump took office. Many have been iced out of their positions due to perceived disloyalty or falling out of favor with the administration. However, those who are still in the game are reaping the benefits.

"At the end of this administration, if J.D. Vance isn't the next president, the line for preemptive pardons is going to be around the block," said Bennett with a smirk.

The Business of Influence

With Trump's presidency nearing its end, many are hoping to cash in on their connections by becoming part of the new guard. However, not everyone is sure if this will lead to long-term success.

"It's a risk," said one lobbyist who prefers to remain anonymous. "As soon as Trump thinks of you as someone selling GET OUT OF JAIL FREE cards and getting rich off of it, you're in trouble." Despite these risks, many are still optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

The New Class of Lobbyists

With Trump's presidency nearing its end, a new class of lobbyists is emerging. Those with strong ties to the administration are positioning themselves for success after the next election.

"The Biden era wasn't exactly prime season for me," said Bennett. "But now it's time to make hay while the sun shines." Whether this will lead to long-term success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the landscape of K Street has never been more competitive.