El Salvador hires, then fires, lobbyist booming under Trump [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Joshua Goodman, Associated Press Writer
Updated 1:25 pm CDT, Friday, August 21, 2020

MIAMI (AP) — El Salvador’s government signed a $450,000 contract to hire a well-connected Washington lobbyist — only to immediately back away from the deal — as President Nayib Bukele, a strong Trump ally, has come under criticism that his popular polices mask an authoritarian streak, The Associated Press has learned.

Robert Stryk’s Sonoran Policy Group registered as a foreign agent with the U.S. government on Thursday after signing a contract with Bukele’s national intelligence chief, according to a copy of the contract provided by the Department of Justice.

But hours later, in response to a request for comment by the AP, Bukele’s office said the president had never approved the contract, which is dated Aug. 15, and had it annulled. Despite multiple requests, his office and two aides wouldn't say when it was cancelled or what led to the abrupt reversal, but insisted that no money had been disbursed.

. . .


“The signing of this contract on behalf of the people of El Salvador continues my commitment to assist all nations in rooting out corruption, organized crime and terrorism so as to promote the sacred values of capitalism, which is the eternal flame that truly lights the world!,” Stryk said in a statement.

. . .

Stryk, a winemaker and former Republican aide who unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Yountville, California, has soared to the top of the highly competitive influence industry in Trump’s Washington.

More:
https://www.mrt.com/news/article/El-Salvador-hires-then-fires-lobbyist-booming-15505210.php







What a hero! Wow!