Top Washington lobbyist testifies in federal court

MIAMI (AP) – A prominent Washington lobbyist, closely connected to President Donald Trump, has testified in federal court that he ended all ties with former Congressman David Rivera in 2020 after discovering that Venezuela’s government awarded Rivera a $50 million contract. This revelation shattered the lobbyist’s belief that they were both working towards the downfall of Nicolás Maduro.

Brian Ballard has emerged as a key witness in Rivera’s trial in Miami, facing charges of covertly lobbying for Maduro’s government without registering as a foreign agent.

The trial has provided insights into the events leading up to Maduro’s removal from power, involving clandestine lobbying efforts by individuals associated with Trump, Venezuelan leaders, and a billionaire accused of funneling embezzled funds to the country’s democratic opposition while also seeking support for Maduro’s bid to ease U.S. sanctions.

Although the charm offensive orchestrated by Rivera and others failed, key figures involved in the operation, such as acting President Delcy Rodríguez and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, are now driving Trump’s commitment to “run” Venezuela.

Prosecutors claim that Rivera transitioned into being a lobbyist for Maduro after leaving Congress, utilizing his long-standing friendship with fellow Cuban-American Marco Rubio and other Republican allies to influence the White House’s stance on Venezuela.

Denying any wrongdoing, Rivera, aged 60, maintains that his work as a business strategist for a U.S. affiliate of Venezuela’s state-run oil company exempted him from the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

In court, Ballard detailed how he grew distrustful of Rivera after examining text messages, emails, and records of their lobbying activities. The defense called for a mistrial on Tuesday, accusing prosecutors of insinuating that Rivera was trying to involve Ballard in the alleged conspiracy. Judge Melissa Damian rejected the request.

Ballard’s professional relationship with Rubio and Rivera dates back to their time serving in the Florida legislature. Eventually, Ballard Partners represented the Trump organization in Florida and expanded its influence in Washington, becoming one of the most profitable lobbying firms, earning $88 million in fees by 2025.

During Trump’s early presidency, Rivera approached Ballard with a proposal to represent Venezuela’s opposition. Given their shared opposition to the Maduro regime, Ballard was initially keen on assisting in efforts to topple the Venezuelan leader.

Additionally, Ballard was advising Rex Tillerson, Trump’s initial choice for secretary of state, and relied on Rivera to connect him with Senator Rubio, who had concerns about Tillerson’s stance on Venezuela. Rubio testified last week, expressing a sense of betrayal by Rivera.

Venezuelan media magnate’s involvement in the lobbying effort

Raúl Gorrón, a media mogul in Caracas, played a central role in Ballard and Rivera’s engagement with Venezuela. His attempts to establish relations in Trump’s Washington highlight the risks associated with foreign influence campaigns in U.S. politics.

Although indicted in 2018 for allegedly bribing Venezuela’s treasurer, Gorrón initially portrayed himself as a supporter of democratic change and connected with Ballard through Rivera in 2017.

The trio traveled to the Dominican Republic aboard Gorrón’s jet to meet with Venezuelan opposition leaders. Ballard also met with Lilian Tintori, the wife of imprisoned opposition figure Leopoldo López, at Gorrón’s Miami residence.

Subsequently, Gorrón’s media network, Globovision, signed an $800,000 contract with Ballard’s firm to facilitate its expansion into the U.S. Despite initial hesitations due to concerns about Globovision’s softened coverage of Maduro, Ballard proceeded with the arrangement following due diligence and Tintori’s endorsement.

Expressing regret over the decision, Ballard disclosed that he was unaware of a letter drafted by Gorrón that sought to engage Trump in resolving the crisis in Venezuela. Once news of Gorrón’s money laundering investigation emerged, Ballard promptly terminated their association.

Disillusioned, Ballard refrained from engaging Venezuelan opposition figures as clients to avoid potential violations of foreign lobbying laws. Tintori feared repercussions from Maduro if their advocacy work was publicly disclosed as mandated by the Justice Department.

Concerns over potential FARA violations and foreign influence

Concerns over potential Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) violations surfaced when it was revealed that Gorrón was implicated in money laundering activities. Ballard’s decision to sever ties with Gorrón underscored the seriousness of complying with FARA laws.

Concurrently, Rivera was reportedly arranging meetings for Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez in various U.S. cities, with the involvement of Rep. Pete Sessions, who endeavored to facilitate encounters with Exxon’s CEO and even visited Caracas for a meeting with Maduro, orchestrated by Gorrón and Rivera.

Rivera’s trial has brought to light an alleged $50 million consulting contract aimed at persuading the Trump administration to normalize relations with Venezuela. Ballard acknowledged being unaware of the contract until Rivera was sued in 2020 for failing to fulfill his obligations.

Following this discovery, Ballard distanced himself from Rivera, condemning his involvement with Maduro’s government. In response to Rivera’s attempt to implicate him in the controversy, Ballard expressed shock and terminated their communication.

The ongoing trial continues to unravel the complex web of relationships and lobbying efforts involving prominent figures tied to Trump, Venezuelan officials, and foreign interests.