Tony Podesta
Podesta Group (closed 2017); now independent
Who they are.
Founder of the Podesta Group, one of the most powerful Democratic-aligned lobby firms of the 2000s. The firm collapsed in 2017 amid the Mueller probe into its work for a Ukrainian political party tied to Paul Manafort. Podesta returned to active lobbying in 2024, registering to represent Huawei — a re-entry that drew immediate national-security scrutiny.
The clients.
Registered foreign agent.
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires US-based lobbyists and PR firms to disclose work done on behalf of foreign governments or political principals. Filings are public via the DOJ National Security Division.
Sources.
Questions about Tony Podesta.
Why did the Podesta Group close?
The Podesta Group dissolved in 2017 after coming under scrutiny in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation for its work on behalf of the European Centre for a Modern Ukraine, an entity tied to Paul Manafort and pro-Russian Ukrainian political interests. The firm filed retroactive FARA disclosures as part of the fallout.
What is Tony Podesta lobbying for now?
In 2024 Podesta registered to lobby for Huawei Technologies, the Chinese telecommunications giant subject to US sanctions. The contract was publicly disclosed and reported by Reuters and other outlets.
Is Tony Podesta related to John Podesta?
Yes. Tony Podesta is the brother of John Podesta, who served as White House Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton, chairman of Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, and senior climate adviser in the Biden administration. The two brothers have run separate lobbying and policy operations.