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In 2016, only a small number of firms with ties to Trump emerged out of nowhere to become lobbying powerhouses. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

‘There’s Chaos’: D.C.’s Lobbyists Brace For a Second Trump Administration

Many corporate leaders bet on Harris. Now their lobbyists are scrambling to prepare.

In 2016, only a small number of firms with ties to Trump emerged out of nowhere to become lobbying powerhouses. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Despite Donald Trump’s promise for better wetland management in the nation’s capital, Washington’s consultant and lobbyist classes have proven resilient to drainage.

The outcome of this month’s presidential election will nevertheless have ramifications across the influence industry. Democrats leaving administration and Capitol Hill jobs are scrambling to find new employment in a very competitive market that’s now bullish on Republican talent and businesses are on the hunt for lobbyists who have relationships with Trump and the new Capitol Hill majorities.

“It’s a Republican town now,” said Ivan Adler, who runs a boutique consulting and staffing firm specializing in placing Washington’s political talent in lobbying, public policy and public affairs jobs. “There’s a real thirst out there for people who know Trump.”