DOJ Seeks to Block Testimony from Trump Chief of Staff in Lobbying Case

Susie Wiles, who previously worked as a lobbyist, is subpoenaed in a case against a former Republican congressman accused of illegal foreign lobbying.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a court motion to quash a subpoena that was served to Susie Wiles, the current White House chief of staff, in a federal criminal case against former Republican congressman David Rivera and his associate Esther Nuhfer. Rivera and Nuhfer are accused of illegally lobbying on behalf of a sanctioned Venezuelan businessman, Raul Gorrín, without registering as foreign agents as required by law.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Wiles' past work as a lobbyist, including for clients with controversial ties. Critics argue that someone with Wiles' extensive lobbying background should not be serving as White House chief of staff due to the risk of undue influence from her former clients.

The details

According to the court filing, Rivera and Nuhfer are accused of working to 'normalize' relations between the Venezuelan government and the U.S. while Rivera's firm received a $50 million lobbying contract from Venezuela's state-owned oil company. Wiles is being subpoenaed because she previously worked at a lobbying firm, Ballard Partners, that represented Gorrín's Caracas-based TV station Globovision. The defense lawyers want to question Wiles about her communications and efforts to help Gorrín gain access to the Trump administration.

  • In December 2024, a grand jury indicted Rivera and Nuhfer on charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
  • Last month, it was reported that Rivera and Nuhfer are also accused of trying to 'normalize' relations between Venezuela and the U.S. while Rivera's firm landed a $50 million lobbying contract.

The players

Susie Wiles

The current White House chief of staff, who previously worked as a lobbyist at Ballard Partners, representing clients with controversial ties including a Venezuelan businessman under U.S. sanctions.

David Rivera

A former Republican congressman accused of illegally lobbying on behalf of a sanctioned Venezuelan businessman without registering as a foreign agent as required by law.

Esther Nuhfer

A political associate of David Rivera, also accused of illegally lobbying on behalf of a sanctioned Venezuelan businessman.

Raul Gorrín

A Venezuelan businessman who was under U.S. sanctions and who allegedly hired Rivera and Nuhfer to lobby the U.S. government on his behalf without registering as a foreign agent.

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State, who as a senator met privately with Rivera, Nuhfer, and Gorrín in 2017 according to reports.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This kind of entanglement shows exactly why a person with Wiles' lengthy record of controversial corporate and foreign lobbying clients is too conflicted to be running the White House.”

— Jon Golinger, Democracy Advocate, Public Citizen (Public Citizen)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the subpoena for Wiles' testimony to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest when former lobbyists take on high-level government positions, and the need for greater transparency around the influence of special interests in the White House.