More than a dozen companies developing Covid-19 vaccines, therapies or diagnostics — including several of the largest drug makers —are represented by lobbyists connected to President Trump, according to an analysis by Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group.
The lobbyists are among more than three dozen influence peddlers who are connected to the president through his campaigns, inaugural committee, presidential transition team, or his administration, and who are seeking government approval of client products and Covid-related aid from various programs.
Among them is Emily Felder, who served as director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Office of Legislation in the Trump administration, and now works for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. The lobbying firm represents AbbVie (ABBV), which is testing an HIV drug as a Covid-19 treatment, on coronavirus matters. Overall, the firm has represented at least 45 clients on various Covid-related issues, according to the analysis. We asked the firm for its reaction and will pass along any reply.
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