Keith Schiller, a former long-time bodyguard and Director of Oval Office Operations for former U.S. President Donald Trump, has recently been hired by Pakistan as a lobbyist amid escalating tensions with India. This move coincides with India's hiring of Jason Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, signaling a fresh battleground in Washington D.C. as both nations seek to influence U.S. policy.
Schiller's background is primarily in security and operations. Prior to his role in the Trump administration, he served as the director of security for the Trump Organization, where he was responsible for Trump's personal safety for nearly two decades. He has been described as "one of Trump's most loyal and trusted aides" and "a constant presence at Trump's side." Schiller is also remembered for his hands-on approach to loyalty, including an incident where he punched a protester outside Trump Tower in 2015. Last year, Stormy Daniels testified that Schiller approached her on Trump's behalf in 2006 to invite her to dinner.
Schiller's firm, Javelin Advisors LLC, which he co-founded with George Sorial, a former compliance chief at the Trump Organization, has been contracted to assist Pakistan in building "long-term economic partnerships" in the U.S. Their mandate includes strengthening ties with the U.S. government and private sector, as well as conveying Pakistan's stance on regional disputes like Jammu and Kashmir directly to U.S. executive and legislative branches. Javelin Advisors is a subcontractor to Seiden Law, and receives $50,000 per month for its services.
The hiring of Schiller comes at a time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. The recent crisis was triggered by a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people. This event led to a series of military escalations, including airstrikes, missile exchanges, drone warfare, and cyber operations. While a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10, cross-border violations continue, and the risk of renewed hostilities remains.
Pakistan's broader lobbying strategy involves engaging multiple firms to reposition its narrative in Washington. At least 13 lobbying firms have been hired to represent Pakistan's interests, aiming to influence U.S. policy in areas ranging from security to trade, regional geopolitics, and bilateral perception management. Islamabad's message positions the country as an emerging digital and resource hub, offering American companies strategic access and fast-tracked approvals under the newly formed Special Investment Facilitation Council.
The lobbying efforts also focus on countering India's position on Kashmir and promoting a decoupling of U.S. strategic ties between India and Pakistan. Documents state objectives such as advocating against India's stance on Kashmir, promoting a decoupling of U.S. strategic ties between India and Pakistan, and countering legislative moves like the Pakistan Democracy Act. One document from Seiden Law details outreach to major U.S. tech companies like Meta and PayPal, lobbying for the restoration of Pakistan’s access to Foreign Military Financing and Foreign Military Sales, and seeking preferential trade treatment.
The engagement of former Trump aides by both Pakistan and India underscores the importance both countries place on influencing U.S. policy, particularly given Trump's unpredictable approach to foreign affairs. The simultaneous hiring of Schiller and Miller, representing "brawn" and "brain" respectively, adds an intriguing dimension to the diplomatic and political maneuvering between the two South Asian nations.
