US lobbying firm lists Trump congratulatory post to Modi in tasks executed: ‘The Indian Express’

American lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs has said in its public disclosure that a social media post by United States President Donald Trump congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving prime minister in June was among the work it had executed as part of its monthly retainership with the Indian embassy, The Indian Express reported on Saturday.

Lobbying in US politics is the practice of individuals or interest groups attempting to influence legislative, executive or regulatory decisions made by government officials.

After Trump was elected for his second term in January 2025, the Indian embassy in Washington hired two major lobbying firms headed by individuals considered a part of the US president’s inner circle, reported The Indian Express.

One of the firms was Mercury Public Affairs, signed at a monthly retainer of $75,000, or approximately Rs 70 lakh, with Bryan Lanza, the communications director for Trump’s transition team.

A presidential transition team is the organisation formed by a president-elect after winning an election to prepare for taking over the executive branch of the US government.

Susie Wiles, Trump’s former chief of staff, was also a registered lobbyist with the firm until late 2024, reported The Indian Express.

The company disclosed the information about its retainership in its filing to the United States Department of Justice under...

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