US President Donald Trump has appointed Dr Karl Von Batten, the managing partner of Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to serve as a commissioner on a White House presidential commission.
The firm announced the appointment in a statement posted on X, describing it as an honour and a recognition of Von Batten’s commitment to public service and leadership.
The appointment comes months after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engaged Von Batten-Montague-York to provide government affairs and strategic advisory services in the United States.
According to documents filed with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, the agreement, effective February 20, 2026, is worth $1.2 million for 12 months. The firm’s responsibilities include policy advisory, reputational strategy and engagement with members of Congress and executive-branch officials.
Atiku, who is seeking the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, signed the agreement through Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji, while Von Batten signed on behalf of the lobbying firm.
The reported Trump appointment places Von Batten in a new position within the US administration while his firm remains linked to Atiku through the lobbying agreement.
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