The Trump White House is changing Washington far more than slashing departments, emptying out the bloated swamp bureaucracy, and putting opposition law firms on notice.
It is also rewriting lobbying rules, largely ignoring K Street influencers with no connection to President Donald Trump or his team.
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That has opened the door for Trump-focused government affairs firms to hang a shingle, and former Trump Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced Tuesday that he is doing that.
“We are 134 days into President Trump’s historic second term. The opportunity to shape lasting policy and regulatory outcomes is unprecedented, but the clock is ticking,” said Bernhardt, founder and chairman of The Bernhardt Group.
After decades of public service and advising clients through legal ambiguity and political volatility, I am proud to announce @bernhardt_group. Joining me will be some of the brightest minds I know, whom I had the pleasure of working with during my time at Interior.
— David Bernhardt (@davidlbernhardt) June 3, 2025
“We know how this administration moves — because we helped move it before. I believe our experience at that level of government gives us unmatched insight into how to maximize opportunities for our clients,” he added.
Lobbyists have told Secrets that the White House is not keen to work with influencers with no connection to Trump, the same approach the president took in setting up his second-term team.
Bernhardt, however, was a star standout in the first term, moving up to replace Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) as secretary of the Interior. His team includes pro-Trump former Hill staffers and members of his Interior executive team.
What’s more, he has continued to be a loyal partner to Trump, joining in projects after Trump lost his reelection and speaking up for the president.
In a release, Partner Jon Hrobsky said, “From regulatory reversals to new agency mandates, this administration has proven to be unapologetically focused on transformation. Clients need partners who are already fluent in the Trump administration and Congress’ language. That’s exactly what we offer.”
Added Partner Cole Rojewski. “We’ve written the policies, managed the operations, and delivered results. Now, we are bringing our experience to the private sector to help companies better understand Washington.”
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Bernhardt also said that he will continue his ties to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and legendary lobbyist Norman Brownstein. He said the two will team up on some projects.
“Given the indelible role Norm Brownstein has played throughout the last three decades of my life, our group will continue to collaborate and be strategic partners with the Brownstein firm on a host of important matters going forward,” Bernhardt said.