Brian Ballard, as stories circulate had relationship with Donald Trump that spans decades and includes past representation of the Trump Organization, leveraged that history and his perceived proximity to the president to build his lobbying influence in Washington as per Politico report

Quotes that support claims

Since Trump’s return to Washington, Ballard has established a reputation as perhaps the go-to lobbyist in town. Stories about his firm often note that he once employed White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Attorney General Pam Bondi. They routinely mention that his relationship with Trump goes back decades. Ballard represented the Trump Organization on and off over the years and he’s been a top fundraiser for the president’s campaigns.