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A US-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C, has deleted an X post (formerly Twitter) announcing the purported appointment of Karl Von Batten, the firm’s managing partner, to the White House presidential commission.
According to the firm, US President Donald Trump appointed Von Batten to serve as a commissioner on a White House presidential commission.
But the firm did not specify which commission Von Batten was purportedly appointed to.
In the now-deleted statement, it said: “Dr. Von Batten is deeply grateful to President Trump (The Chief) for this appointment and for the confidence placed in him.
“This presidential appointment represents a tremendous honour and reflects Dr. Von Batten’s longstanding commitment to public service, leadership, and our nation.
“Dr. Von Batten looks forward to answering the call to serve our President and country.”
Meanwhile, the White House did not confirm or deny Von Batten’s purported appointment.
Recall that the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, had hired Von Batten’s firm to protect and strengthen his “reputational standing” in the US ahead of the 2027 polls. The 12-month agreement is worth $1.2 million.
A report shared by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Tinubu on his X page, clarified that Von Batten was appointed to an unpaid education commission, not a White House policymaking position.
It said: “Checks have now established that the body is the Commission on Presidential Scholars, which is administered by the United States Department of Education.
“The commission reviews finalists and selects graduating high school students for recognition under the US Presidential Scholars Program. It has no role in American foreign policy, national security, intelligence, diplomacy or relations with Nigeria.
“Trump administration officials who spoke with Per Second News clarified that the appointment does not make Von Batten a White House official or give him policymaking authority.
“The position is unpaid. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the President, receive no compensation from the US government and do not require Senate confirmation.
“Dare said the appointment was to the commission on presidential scholars, an education panel administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
“Von Batten’s mandate is educational and not a diplomatic, political or executive position.”
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