NEW: 30-Plus Lobbyists Face Ethics Inquiry from Campaign Legal Center for Donations to President Trump’s Legacy Projects

WASHINGTON — On April 6, 2026, Campaign Legal Center (CLC) filed a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, urging an investigation into whether more than 30 corporate lobbyists violated federal law by failing to report donations made to four of President Donald Trump’s legacy projects. The public has a right to know whether corporate interests are secretly taking advantage of these avenues to purchase access and influence over the administration.

“The hidden influence being exerted on the current Trump administration by lobbyists — who are also not making the required disclosures — is unprecedented,” said Kedric Payne, vice president, general counsel and senior director of ethics at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. “Federal lobbying laws are intended to keep the public fully informed on who may be trying to influence leaders at the highest levels of our government. We urge the U.S. Attorney of the District Court to conduct a thorough investigation of this matter because the public deserves to know the full scope of corporate lobbyists’ activities, which can impact government policies and affairs.”  

Lobbyists must disclose donations made to entities that are “established, financed, maintained, or controlled” by executive branch officials, including the president, under the Lobbyist Disclosure Act (also known as the LDA). Those who fail to adhere to this federal law risk facing civil and criminal penalties for these omissions.  

Based on media reporting and announcements from the White House, over 30 corporate lobbyists have contributed to at least four projects controlled wholly or in part by President Trump, including: the White House Ballroom Project; Freedom 250; the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts; and the Trump Presidential Library. The specific dates and amounts of these donations are unclear, and it is unknown how many other lobbyists beyond the initial 30 have made similar contributions.  

Enforcement of the Lobbyist Disclosure Act is critical because corporate lobbyists are in a position to purchase influence from senior-level government officials, who should be prioritizing the public and not private industry interests. Rampant noncompliance with federal lobbying disclosure laws by known and unknown corporations seeking to influence the president risks obscuring the full scale and magnitude of these activities for the public.  

Campaign Legal Center urges U.S. Attorney of the District Court Jeanine Pirro to investigate donations made by corporate lobbyists because this action is essential for exposing potential violations and ultimately deterring continued misconduct.  

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The nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center advances democracy through law. We safeguard the freedom to vote, defend voters’ right to know who is spending money to influence elections, and work to ensure public trust in our elected officials.

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