A Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons. Its first client already paid $500,000.
A Trump-Linked Firm Is Lobbying for Pardons. Its First Client Already Paid $500,000
A Trump linked firm is lobbying - With the return of President Trump to the White House, a network of former campaign and administration figures has established a lobbying firm focused on federal matters. Mo Strategies, which has secured multiple corporate clients, is now capitalizing on the increased demand for pardon-related advocacy. The firm has seen a surge in activity, with its first major engagement already generating significant revenue.
Lobbying for Immigration and Clemency Cases
Federal lobbying records from late May reveal that Mo Strategies has taken on Blessinger Legal, a law firm based in Northern Virginia, for "immigration and pardon-related discussions." The partnership has already brought in $500,000, and more opportunities are anticipated, according to Marty Obst, the firm's president.
"We're one of the fastest-growing firms in D.C., and are helping them navigate the landscape and process," Obst told CBS News. "What I've tried to do is provide guidance of what the process looks like, and what types of cases would appeal to this White House."
The Pardon Process and Political Influence
Obst emphasized the dual nature of the pardon process, noting both legal and political dimensions. The firm’s work highlights the growth of a specialized lobbying sector, where well-connected individuals advocate for presidential clemency. Trump’s administration has issued pardons and commutations for allies and those with ties to the president, creating a ripe environment for such services.
Key Figures in the Firm
Obst, a seasoned political strategist who served in senior roles on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns, is listed as a lobbyist for Blessinger Legal. The other key figure, Robert Goad, worked in the first Trump White House as a special assistant to the president on domestic policy and shaped education initiatives during the 2016 campaign.
Client Portfolio and Financials
Federal disclosures show Mo Strategies has secured contracts since Trump’s reelection, with clients paying up to $530,000 per filing period. Tencent America, the U.S. subsidiary of China’s tech giant Tencent, has been the highest-paying client, as Obst helped navigate U.S. trade and defense policies. Other clients include NextEra Energy, Team Hemp, and the Serb Republic, with Blessinger Legal joining their roster recently.
White House Response to Pardon Lobbying
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a statement that Trump "finds it detestable that anyone would even attempt to profit off pardons" and affirmed the administration’s "rigorous review process" before recommending cases for presidential consideration. A Justice Department spokesperson echoed this, noting that the pardon office has processed a record number of clemency applications and aims to ensure "consistent, unbiased, and rule-of-law compliant" recommendations.
Blessinger Legal’s Focus and Legal Cases
Blessinger Legal, founded by Eileen Blessinger, specializes in immigration law and removal proceedings. As Trump’s administration intensified immigration enforcement, Blessinger sought guidance from Obst to assess which of her clients might benefit from a pardon. Some cases involve criminal convictions, such as green-card holders, though others may fall outside the immigration domain.
"The Biden administration really expanded government reach, sometimes unfairly," Obst told CBS News, without citing specifics. "In some cases, there were very aggressive prosecutions that seemed highly political. There are cases that qualify as needing further review. Whether or not they get a pardon — there are no guarantees to that."
Record Pardon-Related Lobbying Activity
The $500,000 income reported for Blessinger Legal in a single period ranks among the largest in the U.S. Senate’s database, according to CBS News analysis. Over two dozen lobbying registrations have emerged during Trump’s second term, though only a small portion have been linked to actual clemency decisions.