After President Donald Trump returned to the White House, there has been a noticeable shift in tone among prominent lobbyists on K Street in Washington, D.C. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), previously criticized Trump after the January 6 riot, where he accused Trump of inciting violence. However, Timmons has now publicly stated that he is ready to work with Trump to roll back federal regulations, unleash American energy, and build on the success of the Trump Tax Cuts. Timmons also praised President Biden for his work on the coronavirus and expressed optimism about working with the new administration.
Similarly, Stephen Ubl, president and CEO of PhRMA, criticized Trump after the January 6 events and expressed concerns about some of Trump’s policy initiatives. However, Ubl has since pledged to work with the Trump administration and the new Congress to improve the healthcare system and lower costs for patients while preserving innovation. Neil Bradley, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, also had some criticism for Trump, particularly in relation to his decision to end DACA. After Trump’s election, Bradley acknowledged that Trump’s actions were a positive change that would help the American economy grow and lead to innovation and higher paychecks for workers.
The Business Roundtable (BRT) also expressed a willingness to work with the incoming Trump administration and policymakers at the federal and state levels following Trump’s victory. Some members of the BRT, including CEO Joshua Bolten and president and COO Kristen Silverberg, were critical of Trump prior to his re-election. However, they have since worked closely with both Trump administrations on important policy initiatives, including tax reform and the USMCA. The BRT spokesperson noted that their donations to politicians like Liz Cheney were made for her re-election efforts and were not specifically related to her anti-Trump stance.
Overall, the shift in tone among lobbyists on K Street towards President Trump indicates a willingness to work with the new administration and advance economic policies that benefit the American people. Despite past criticisms and differences in political views, many lobbyists and industry leaders are recognizing the potential for collaboration and cooperation with the Trump administration to achieve common goals. By setting aside previous disagreements and focusing on shared interests, these lobbyists are positioning themselves to play a key role in shaping policies that promote economic growth, innovation, and opportunity for all Americans. Ultimately, this change in attitude reflects a pragmatic approach to governance and a recognition of the importance of working together to address the challenges facing the nation.