Trump Appoints Atiku’s Lobbyist Von Batten As White House Commissioner

United States President Donald Trump has appointed Washington-based lobbyist Dr. Karl Von Batten as a commissioner on a presidential commission at the White House.

According to Bush Radio Academy, 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.

The firm described the appointment as a significant honour for its managing partner, noting that he was grateful for the opportunity and prepared to serve the United States under the Trump administration.

The development comes several months after former Nigerian Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, engaged Von Batten-Montague-York in Washington to provide lobbying services.

The agreement, signed in March 2026, was reportedly structured as a 12-month contract valued at approximately $1.2 million.

Atiku’s engagement of the US-based lobbying firm was aimed at providing representation and advocacy services in Washington, making Von Batten’s subsequent appointment to a White House presidential commission a development likely to attract attention in Nigerian political circles.

Von Batten, who has extensive experience in lobbying and public affairs, will now serve as a commissioner on the presidential commission following his appointment by President Trump.