White House restricts lobbyist meetings after influence peddling claims

The office of newly appointed White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller issued a directive barring staff from meeting with lobbyists on White House grounds without prior authorization. The policy shift follows allegations from former Health and Human Services adviser Calley Means, who accused ousted Chief of Staff Susie Wiles of skewing administration policy toward corporate donors associated with firms like Ballard Partners and Continental Strategy.

White House memo restricts lobbyist meetings

• ▪The White House memo issued by Stephen Miller's office stated that White House staff are expected to dedicate their time unwaveringly to the working people of the nation
• ▪The office of White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller issued a memo forbidding White House staff from meeting with lobbyists about policy issues on White House grounds without prior approval

Calley Means accuses Susie Wiles

• ▪Former health adviser Calley Means specifically named lobbying firm Ballard Partners, where Susie Wiles previously worked, and firm Continental Strategy, where Wiles's daughter Katie Wiles is a partner
• ▪Former Department of Health and Human Services adviser Calley Means accused former White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles of altering health policy to favor corporate donors who hired well-connected lobbyists
• ▪Former health adviser Calley Means resigned from the Department of Health and Human Services last month prior to leveling lobbyist influence accusations against Susie Wiles