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Ballard Partners launches lobbying office in Caracas
U.S. lobbying firm Ballard Partners announced on 29 July 2026 that it will open a new office in Caracas, Venezuela. The office will be led by managing partner Scott Wagner, who will continue to serve as a senior lawyer in Washington. Ballard Partners, known for its close ties to President Donald Trump, counts the Venezuelan shipping company Vale Marítimo and the investment firm KEO Capital (formerly Maha Capital) among its clients. KEO Capital disclosed that it raised its indirect stake in the Venezuelan oil firm PetroUrdaneta from 24 % to 40 %. The firm expects the energy, infrastructure and critical‑minerals sectors in Venezuela to attract renewed U.S. and international investment, echoing Trump’s call for U.S. oil companies to commit up to $100 billion to rebuild the country’s energy industry. Ballard Partners’ lobbying revenue surged 300 % in 2025, reaching a record $88.3 million. The Caracas office is intended to advise clients on regulatory, sanctions and commercial matters as Venezuela reopens its economy.
“Venezuela is at the threshold of one of the most significant economic openings in the hemisphere in a generation,” said Wagner in a statement.
Entities
Ballard Partners · Donald Trump · KEO Capital · PetroUrdaneta · Scott Wagner · Vale Marítimo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Ballard Partners has represented clients Vale Marítimo and KEO Capital in Venezuelan projects. alertas24.com · contrapunto.com · lapatilla.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Ballard Partners announced the opening of a lobbying office in Caracas. alertas24.com · contrapunto.com · lapatilla.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Ballard Partners’ revenue grew 300% to $88.3 million in 2025, a record for the firm. lapatilla.com · alertas24.com · contrapunto.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Donald Trump called for U.S. oil companies to invest $100 billion in Venezuela’s energy sector. contrapunto.com · lapatilla.com · alertas24.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] KEO Capital increased its indirect stake in PetroUrdaneta from 24% to 40%. contrapunto.com · lapatilla.com · alertas24.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Scott Wagner will serve as managing partner of the new Caracas office. alertas24.com · contrapunto.com · lapatilla.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Ballard Partners expects Venezuela’s energy, infrastructure and critical‑minerals sectors to attract renewed U.S. and international investment. alertas24.com · lapatilla.com · contrapunto.com · elestimulo.com · www.entornointeligente.com · +1 more