Bottom Line: Toy group taps Trump alum for tariff fight

Trade

The Toy Association hired Ballard Partners to lobby and advise on tariffs. President-elect Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on enemies and allies alike, including particularly punitive tariffs on China, which has retailers worried. One of the lobbyists on the account is Hunter Morgen, former special assistant to the president and senior adviser for policy and strategy in the Trump White House.

Defense

Ballard Partners also registered to lobby on issues related to landmine detection on behalf of the defense technology company Safe Pro Group. One of the lobbyists on the account is former Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.).

The United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin and Boeing’s joint space venture, hired Icebreaker Strategies to lobby for additional funding and language for space launch and rocket technology. Lobbyists on the account include Will Todd, a former professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Mike Clementi, a former professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Tax

The tax preparation software company DS Admiral Bidco hired Zero One Strategies to lobby on issues related to that service. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) last spring launched a free online filing system in select states, and the program has long been seen as a threat to the lucrative industry. The lobbyist on the account is Stacey Rolland, a former senior adviser at the Treasury Department and senior policy adviser to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

World Cup

KC2026, Kansas City’s 2026 World Cup organizing committee, hired Monument Advocacy to lobby on issues related to safety and security, transportation, and budget and funding. City committees across the country have been lobbying up ahead of the global tournament, which is expected to attract more than 5 million international travelers to North America. One of the lobbyists on the account is Stewart Verdery, the firm’s CEO and founder and former first assistant secretary for policy and planning at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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