Following Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, Washington’s lobbying scene is experiencing a genuine financial renaissance. According to Reuters, top lobbying firms reported significant revenue growth in the second quarter of 2025.
Leading the way is Ballard Partners, connected to Trump through his long-time adviser Brian Ballard. The firm’s revenue surged by more than 300% year-on-year, reaching $20.6 million — the highest figure in the industry’s history (reuters.com).
Close behind is Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck with a record $18.5 million, followed by Akin Gump, which posted its best quarter ever at $16.4 million (reuters.com). BGR Group ended the quarter with $17.6 million (up 58%), while Cornerstone Government Affairs reached $13.7 million (up 15%) (reuters.com).
A Politico review confirms a similar trend: all major GR firms recorded substantial growth in the first quarter of 2025 (politico.com). Continental Strategy showed the biggest leap — from $128,000 to $3.6 million. Miller Strategies boosted revenue by 80% quarter-on-quarter and 152% year-on-year (to $7.2 million), while Mercury Public Affairs doubled its earnings to $5.2 million (politico.com).
These figures reflect not only commercial success but also a shift in lobbying strategy: personal ties with the Trump administration are now heavily monetized, and new players avoid the traditional bipartisan model.
For Ukraine, this case offers a clear lesson: an effective GR strategy requires not only a stable legislative framework but also transparent rules, professional standards, and a balanced — rather than personalized — approach to engagement with the authorities.
