Why Public Affairs Matter More Than Ever in Trump 2.0

With the first 100 days of Trump 2.0 behind us, one thing is clear: businesses are recognizing the pivotal role public affairs plays in shaping policy outcomes during Trump’s second term.

At Firehouse, we run targeted persuasion campaigns rooted in trust, authenticity, and precision to help organizations connect with the audiences that shape policy in Washington.

Firehouse Partner Alex Conant recently spoke with PRWeek about how today’s political landscape demands more than traditional tactics, highlighting the critical role of public affairs in driving results:

Shift from Lobbying to Public Affairs Expertise

The need to know more about tariffs and other issues such as tax reform—set to be much more nuanced than Trump’s 2017 reforms—means businesses are recognizing the need for public affairs services, rather than relying solely on lobbying, says Alex Conant, partner at Firehouse Strategies.

“There’s a recognition that government is more important than ever and that it’s not just enough to rely on traditional lobbying,” he adds. “This administration is not going to be swayed by lobbyists. The Trump administration is very attuned to his base, to what his voters want, so businesses realized they need to invest in building public support for their policies.”

As policy decisions are increasingly shaped by public sentiment and political alignment, businesses are adapting by investing in advocacy campaigns that build real-world support and resonate with key audiences.

We help our clients overcome policy challenges that come their way by designing and executing public affairs strategies that move the needle.

Read the full PRWeek story here.