Trump's Trade and Visa Policies: Corporate Woes Fuel Lobbying Boom

President Donald Trump's latest policy moves are reshaping corporate strategies and fueling a boom in lobbying efforts on K Street. From revised visa fees to trade tariffs, businesses are recalibrating operations while firms tied to the administration are capitalizing on the upheaval.

Walmart, the largest U.S. employer, has paused job offers for candidates requiring H-1B visas after Trump hiked the fee to $100,000 per application, according to CNBC. The change, aimed at curbing "abuse" of the visa program, has forced companies reliant on foreign tech talent to rethink hiring. Walmart, which employs over 2,000 H-1B workers, cited a commitment to "investing in the best talent" while adapting its approach, as reported by ABC7. The policy disproportionately impacts Indian professionals, who dominate H-1B approvals, and has drawn legal challenges from business groups — a development the CNBC piece also noted.

Meanwhile, Trump's trade policies are creating ripples in the shipping industry. Atlantic Container Line (ACL), a U.S.-based carrier, faces a $34 million annual tariff bill under revised Section 301 port fee rules, according to CNBC. The firm, which transports specialized cargo like aircraft wings and power plant equipment, argues it was misclassified under the new fee structure. ACL's CEO, Andrew Abbott, warned that the financial burden could force the company to exit the U.S. market, disrupting supply chains for manufacturers and exporters, the report said.

Against this backdrop, lobbying firms with ties to the Trump administration are reaping unprecedented financial rewards. Ballard Partners, a firm linked to Trump allies, reported $25 million in third-quarter lobbying revenue—surpassing its previous record—according to Politico. These firms are advising clients on navigating Trump's trade agenda, including tariffs that have tripled lobbying disclosures on the issue compared to the same period in 2024, the Politico report added. The administration's focus on executive action has shifted influence toward firms with direct White House connections, bypassing traditional bipartisan lobbying powerhouses.

The surge in lobbying extends to immigration and visa programs. While H-1B fees have drawn criticism, the Trump administration has simultaneously proposed lower fees for EB-5 investor visas, reducing costs by 14% for regional center participants, according to Bloomberg Law. This duality reflects a broader strategy to attract foreign investment while tightening labor market access-a balancing act that continues to spark debate among economists and corporate leaders.

As Trump's policies unfold, businesses and lobbyists alike are navigating a landscape marked by rapid change and high stakes. For companies like Walmart and ACL, the costs of compliance are mounting, while K Street firms are positioning themselves as essential navigators of a politically charged regulatory environment.