Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt is launching a strategic advisory firm in Washington D.C. with the help of major Valley power brokers who have helped shepherd local interests in Washington.

Bernhardt’s new firm – The Bernhardt Group – features a bipartisan cast of leaders to help guide clients through Washington, but includes senior officials and advisors from President Trump’s first term.

The big picture: The new firm will provide high-level advisory services, counsel and execution across executive branch agencies and Congress. 

• Some sectors that the firm will specialize in include energy, infrastructure, technology, appropriations, supply chains and natural resources. 

Driving the news: Bernhardt has a connection to the Central Valley, having served as a lobbyist for Westlands Water District before joining Trump’s first administration. 

• He served as the Interior Secretary from 2019 to 2021 following a stint as the Deputy Secretary.

• The former Interior Secretary currently serves as Executive Vice President & Chair, Center For American Freedom at America First Policy Institute, a critical Trump-affiliated think-tank.

• Bernhardt also joined the Board of Directors of Trump Media and Technology group earlier this year. 

• The former Interior Secretary also helped shape and guide the Trump transitions in 2016 and 2024, with particular emphasis on the Interior Department and natural resources issues.

Zoom in: Along with Bernhardt, the firm’s founding partners are Cole Rojewski, Todd Willens, Bill McGrath, Jon Hrobsky, and Luke Johnson. 

• Rojewski, a Clovis native, has a lengthy resume on Capitol Hill and in the Trump administration.

• The Clovis East graduate was an aide to former House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes (R–Tulare); chief of staff to Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) and House Appropriations Committee chair Kay Granger (R-Texas); and transition advisor to former Rep. Connie Conway (R–Tulare).

• Rojewski also served as director of the Interior Department’s Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs under Bernhardt.

• Beyond the partners, former Valadao communications chief Faith Vander Voort will serve as the Vice President of Public Affairs. 

What they’re saying: “We are 134 days into President Trump’s historic second term,” Bernhardt said. “The opportunity to shape lasting policy and regulatory outcomes is unprecedented, but the clock is ticking.” 

• He added, “We know how this administration moves – because we helped move it before. I believe our experience at that level of government gives us unmatched insight into how to maximize opportunities for our clients. This is an operation driven by deeply experienced advisors and policy architects who have had their perspective forged by tested leadership and actual tactical execution.” 

• Rojewski said they launched the firm because they instantly understand how decisions get made and how to turn that insight into strategic advantage. 

• “We’ve written the policies, managed the operations, and delivered results,” Rojewski said. “Now, we are bringing our experience to the private sector to help companies better understand Washington.” 

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