Miller reportedly requires prior approval for White House policy meetings with lobbyists

Newly appointed White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has directed staff to obtain prior approval from the Office of White House Counsel before meeting with registered lobbyists on policy matters within the White House complex, according to an internal memo that surfaced Nov. 12.

“No President in history has fought more relentlessly, selflessly or courageously for the American People than President Trump,” the memo states, according to a copy shared on X by conservative commentator Benny Johnson. “Following his example, White House staff are expected to dedicate their time unwaveringly to the working people of the nation.”

The move comes days after Miller replaced Susie Wiles as chief of staff Nov. 9. Trump announced the change Nov. 6, saying Wiles would move to his political operation. 

>> ANALYSIS | What to know about Stephen Miller, Trump’s new chief of staff <<

A separate internal memo from Miller’s office shortly after he took office reportedly reorganized West Wing operations and gave Cabinet secretaries greater control over their departments’ messaging, as Zeale News previously reported.

A dozen Republican lobbyists told Politico that Miller’s resistance to relationship-based favors, firm policy views, and loyalty to Trump could make him difficult to influence.

“The thing with Stephen is, he’s not someone that a lobbyist goes in and has to crack or try to win over,” Hunter Morgen, a Ballard Partners lobbyist who previously worked with Miller during Trump’s first administration, told the outlet. “He doesn’t operate based on relationships. He operates based on policy outcomes that will advance the President’s agenda.”

Another lobbyist told Politico that Miller was “impossible to lobby,” saying even those considered close to him have little success swaying him.

The outlet reported that Miller’s approach contrasts with that of Wiles, a former lobbyist who cultivated relationships with lobbying groups.

In a statement cited by Politico, the White House emphasized its commitment to putting Americans’ interests first and advancing Trump’s agenda.

“President Trump’s loyalty is to the American people, not lobbyists. His team is dedicated to advancing the President’s agenda, not the agenda of D.C. lobbyists,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said. “All of the White House components continue to work in lockstep to implement President Trump’s America First agenda.”