White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller issued a memorandum on November 12 requiring all White House staff to obtain prior approval from the Office of the White House Counsel before meeting with registered lobbyists on the White House campus regarding government policy. The policy change was first reported by Politico on November 14 and confirmed in statements to multiple outlets.
The memo, obtained by Breitbart News and The Epoch Times, states that staff must receive clearance for meetings with lobbyists on the White House complex. It directs staff to consult the Office of Public Liaison (OPL) for industry outreach inquiries. A White House official, speaking anonymously to The Epoch Times, described the process as "much stricter" than previous protocols.
Miller’s memo includes a statement praising President Donald Trump, asserting that no president in history has fought more for the American people. The policy is framed as part of an effort to ensure staff focus on serving the public rather than external stakeholders. The memo does not specify penalties for non-compliance but implies adherence to the new rules.
The change marks a shift from the approach of Miller’s predecessor, Susie Wiles, who was previously a lobbyist at Ballard Partners and known for maintaining close ties with the lobbying industry. Hunter Morgen, a lobbyist with Ballard Partners and former Trump administration official, told Politico that Miller operates based on policy outcomes rather than relationship-building. Morgen stated, "He doesn’t operate based on relationships. He operates based on policy outcomes that will advance the president’s agenda."
The new restrictions come amid allegations from former officials, including Calley Means, a former adviser to the Department of Health and Human Services, who accused Wiles and others of seeking financial support from industries in exchange for policy influence. Means alleged that Wiles told him she needed money from the sugar industry to win midterm elections. The White House has denied that outside groups influenced policy decisions.
Lobbyists in Washington have reacted to the policy shift, with some describing Miller as "impossible to lobby" due to his focus on policy outcomes over personal relationships. A dozen GOP lobbyists told Politico that Miller’s approach will make it harder for lobbyists to gain access to the administration. Some lobbyists are now seeking alternative channels, such as working with staff on the Domestic Policy Council or National Economic Council, to bypass the new restrictions.
The memo does not apply to all lobbyist interactions but specifically targets meetings related to government policy on the White House campus. The White House has not indicated whether the policy will be temporary or part of a broader effort to reduce lobbying influence within the administration.