Stephen Miller tightens White House lobbyist access rules days after becoming chief of staff

In a move aimed at curbing the influence of special interest groups on the Trump administration, new White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has implemented stricter rules for lobbyists' access to administration officials. This change was introduced in an internal memo distributed to all White House employees on Thursday. According to the memo, advance approval from the White House Counsel's Office is now required for policy-related meetings with registered lobbyists on White House grounds.

The directive also highlights that the Office of Public Liaison will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for external parties. This development comes shortly after Miller assumed the role of Chief of Staff, succeeding Susie Wiles. The new rule is a response to recent allegations of lobbyists and wealthy individuals exerting undue influence during Wiles' tenure. While the memo does not ban meetings with lobbyists outright, it mandates approval for matters related to administration policy.

Miller's appointment signals a new approach to regulating access to decision-makers within the Trump administration. In his inaugural address at Mar-a-Lago, Miller expressed unwavering loyalty to President Trump, declaring that the President's actions saved America's military, economy, and border. He then directly addressed Trump, pledging his absolute commitment and dedication to the President's success and the nation's prosperity.

As Chief of Staff, Miller will face the daunting task of navigating the White House, mediating between cabinet members and senior officials, addressing a Democratic-controlled Congress, and upholding the President's priorities in an era marked by a lack of organizational discipline.