US President Donald Trump has appointed Karl Von Batten, a Washington lobbyist with ties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to serve as a commissioner on a White House presidential commission.
The appointment was announced on Thursday by Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., the lobbying and public affairs firm where Von Batten serves as managing partner, via the firm’s page on X.
In the statement, the firm said Von Batten was “proud” and “honoured” to be appointed by Trump, describing the role as a reflection of his “longstanding commitment to public service, leadership, and our nation.” It added that Von Batten was ready to answer the call to serve the president and the country.
The appointment comes months after Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), engaged the same firm for lobbying services in Washington. His campaign signed the agreement with Von Batten-Montague-York in March 2026, a 12-month deal reportedly worth $1.2 million.
Von Batten’s new role puts him in an unusual position — serving on a Trump White House commission while his firm remains under contract to lobby on behalf of a Nigerian opposition presidential candidate.
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