Big Chemical Signs Top Trump-Linked Firm to Fight Rail Merger

Big Chemical has deployed a new weapon in its fight against a looming $85 billion freight rail behemoth — Washington’s biggest lobbyist.

Ballard Partners is representing the American Chemistry Council in its fight against a proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp., according to a lobbying registration signed in November. Ties to President Donald Trump have fueled the firm’s rise during his second administration.

The firm reported lobbying on rail safety with Vice President JD Vance, according to a fourth quarter disclosure filing. Vance is a native of Ohio where the 2023 ...