Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Hire Trump Allies as Lobbyists

Two former Soviet republics have hired expensive lobbyists with close ties to Donald Trump. Their goal is to build relationships with the former U.S. president’s team ahead of a possible second term. Kazakhstan retained lobbying firm Sphere Consulting. Its founder, Jason Osborne, is a former senior adviser to Trump. The one-year contract is worth $1.35 million. Azerbaijan hired another firm, Advance Policy. Its principal, Brian Ballard, is a top Trump fundraiser. His firm will receive $750,000 for the same period. Both countries are important for energy and geopolitics. They seek to protect their interests in Washington. Hiring well-connected lobbyists is a common strategy for foreign governments. The moves show how nations are preparing for the U.S. election in November. Many are investing in connections to Trump’s circle, not just the current Biden administration. A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign did not comment on the specific hires. He stated that Trump’s priority is always "America First" foreign policy.