South Korean e-commerce company Coupang paid a U.S. lobbying firm $250,000 to influence officials at the White House and the U.S. House of Representatives [1].
The move signals the company's effort to navigate complex trade relations and protect its interests as it seeks to expand its influence within the U.S. market.
Coupang contracted Valued Partners, a firm led by Brian Valder, who is a longtime associate of former President Donald Trump [1]. According to records, the payment of $250,000, approximately 370 million KRW [1], took place during the second quarter of 2026 [1].
The lobbying efforts targeted several high-level entities in Washington, D.C. These included the White House, the office of the U.S. President, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Trade Representative [1].
Coupang sought to promote stronger economic and trade cooperation between the U.S. and its allies, specifically mentioning South Korea and Taiwan [1]. The company also used the firm to counter claims of discrimination against Coupang in the U.S. market [1].
Valder has previously highlighted his close ties to the former president. In a YTN video, Valder recounted a personal interaction with Trump, saying, "I received a call from an unknown number, and it was Trump. He then said, 'I've heard good things about you...'" [2].
The engagement of a firm with deep ties to Trump suggests a strategic attempt by Coupang to ensure access to power regardless of the political climate in Washington. By focusing on broader allied cooperation, the company aims to frame its specific business needs within the larger context of U.S. national security and economic interests [1].
“Coupang paid a U.S. lobbying firm $250,000 to influence officials at the White House”
This expenditure reflects a broader trend of non-U.S. corporations hiring politically connected intermediaries to mitigate regulatory risks and trade disputes. By leveraging a firm with direct ties to Donald Trump, Coupang is attempting to build a hedge against potential policy shifts and ensure its corporate grievances are heard by key decision-makers in the U.S. government.
