Susie Wiles Faces Scrutiny as Lobbying Ties Fuel Republican Infighting

Lobbying firm draws accusations

Ballard Partners rose to become Washington’s top-earning lobbying firm as Brian Ballard’s ties to President Trump attracted clients. Means said the firm’s success was not accidental and alleged that Wiles and other senior Trump advisers catered to industries that funded Republicans ahead of the midterms. Ballard and Wiles both called the accusations false.

The firm reported more than $88 million in lobbying revenue last year, a record at the time under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, according to a CBS News analysis of Senate disclosures. In the first three quarters of 2026, it reported more than $98 million.

Questions about industry access

Ballard Partners has represented RAI Services Company, a Reynolds American subsidiary, since 2017. In May, the FDA issued guidance that could allow major tobacco companies to sell flavored vapes. The announcement followed a meeting at Trump’s golf club in Jupiter, Florida, involving Ballard and tobacco executives, according to The New York Times.

RAI Services Company gave $5 million to MAGA Inc. on April 30, according to Federal Election Commission records. The White House has said the donation was unrelated to the FDA decision. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned days after the guidance was announced, in protest.

Wiles told CBS News she had no role in the tobacco industry’s meeting with Trump. Blair said he did not promote flavored vaping and was responsible for ensuring the FDA ruled promptly on nicotine product applications. Two people familiar with his conversations said he discussed the application process with Reynolds and other vape companies, but not particular products or applications.

Firm’s ties have had strains

After Trump won a second term, Ballard Partners signed hundreds of clients. Its relationship with the administration has had setbacks: two Trump advisers told CBS News that Ballard was barred from the West Wing for a short time in 2025 after officials objected to the firm’s work for a cryptocurrency client. Axios reported that Ballard apologized in May 2025 and later regained the administration’s favor.

The firm has also represented Bayer since January 2024 on matters involving Congress and the administration. Ballard said no one at his firm lobbied Wiles or the White House on glyphosate. A White House official described Wiles as an important leader in the Making America Healthy Again initiative.

Political fallout could continue

Incoming House Oversight Committee chairman Robert Garcia said he would examine the claims against Wiles. Attorney General Todd Blanche called Means a “disgruntled former administration official” and told CNN the Justice Department would not investigate a claim made on a podcast. Blair said he was considering legal options, including a defamation lawsuit against Means.