A United States-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C, has removed an X post announcing the purported appointment of its managing partner, Karl Von Batten, to a position linked to the White House.
The firm had claimed that US President Donald Trump appointed Von Batten as a commissioner on a White House presidential commission.
“Dr. Von Batten is deeply grateful to President Trump (The Chief) for this appointment and for the confidence placed in him,” the firm said in the statement, which has since been deleted.
“This presidential appointment represents a tremendous honor 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.”
The firm did not identify the specific commission to which Von Batten was purportedly appointed.
The White House has also not issued any official statement confirming or denying the reported appointment.
The announcement, which was widely reported both locally and internationally, raised concerns about the possible impact of Von Batten’s reported role on the already strained relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Washington.
Relations between Nigeria and the United States have faced tensions over the past year, including disagreements surrounding allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, as well as US sanctions and visa restrictions.
Earlier this year, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), engaged Von Batten’s firm to protect and strengthen his “reputational standing” in the US ahead of the 2027 elections.
The 12-month contract was reportedly valued at $1.2 million. Since taking on the engagement, the lobbying firm has increased its criticism of Tinubu, who is seeking re-election.
In recent weeks, the firm has focused on Tinubu’s past dealings with US drug-enforcement authorities, including filing Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requests and lawsuits seeking records concerning the Nigerian president.
Von Batten also claimed that he had briefed senior members of Trump’s team on allegations concerning the alleged misappropriation of US-funded World Bank loans by senior Nigerian government officials.
‘VON BATTEN’S APPOINTMENT ‘UNPAID ROLE, NOT WHITE HOUSE POSITION’
Sunday Dare, Tinubu’s special adviser on media and public communication, said Von Batten had been appointed to an unpaid education commission rather than a White House policymaking position.
Dare explained that the appointment was to the Commission on Presidential Scholars, an education panel administered by the US Department of Education.
According to the presidential spokesperson, the commission has no responsibility for US foreign policy, national security, diplomacy or relations with Nigeria.
Von Batten did not dispute Dare’s explanation.
“President @realDonaldTrump is the greatest American President, greatest American President, and it is an honor to even be thought of for any role associated with his Administration, paid or unpaid,” the lobbyist said in response to Dare.
“I am proud of my President and would serve for free for a thousand years if he asked.”
Von Batten added that he was proud to have been asked to serve “helping recognize the best of the best” among America’s young men and women.