Defense procurement lobbying marks Apollo’s strategic entry into federal advocacy
Defense procurement lobbying by Apollo Global Management signals the asset manager’s serious commitment to the defense sector. The $840 billion firm filed its first federal lobbying registration on June 8, 2024, retaining the Nickles Group LLC to focus specifically on defense procurement issues. This marks Apollo’s strategic pivot toward federal advocacy in the defense industry.
Why It Matters
Apollo Global Management is making its first serious foray into federal lobbying. The firm hired defense-focused lobbyist Lucas A. Holland, who previously served as Chief of Staff to Sen. Jim Inhofe during his tenure as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. This strategic hire signals Apollo’s high-level interest in gaining access to defense procurement policymakers and decision-makers.
By the Numbers
Nickles Group LLC has filed over 1,700 lobbying disclosures for 100+ clients, demonstrating extensive experience in federal advocacy. Holland has earned significant fees from major defense contractors in previous roles:
- Oracle Corp. paid him $900,000
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Inc. paid $700,000
- General Dynamics Corp. paid $450,000
His track record with Fortune 500 defense clients positions Apollo advantageously within the lobbying landscape.
Broader Context
Congress is actively debating major defense legislation amid heightened global tensions. The war in Ukraine and increased competition with China have created urgency around strengthening America’s domestic defense industrial base. Lawmakers are focused on accelerating new technology delivery to warfighters and addressing decades of consolidation and underinvestment that have fragmented the sector.
Multiple congressional hearings have highlighted vulnerabilities in the defense industrial base, emphasizing the need for policy reforms and investment priorities.
The Agenda
Apollo is lobbying specifically on “defense procurement issues,” though no specific legislation or contracts have been publicly identified. The broad focus suggests the firm is exploring investment opportunities across defense companies and seeking insights into Pentagon procurement priorities. Apollo may also be working to influence policies that would benefit potential portfolio companies in the defense sector.
Competitive Landscape
Apollo enters a crowded field of organizations already lobbying on defense matters:
- Deloitte LLP lobbies on the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act
- Booz Allen Hamilton focuses on missile defense provisions
- National Venture Capital Association lobbies on streamlining Pentagon procurement
The venture capital association represents Apollo’s closest competition in the private capital investment space for defense contractors.
Between the Lines
Congress is actively working on several key pieces of legislation shaping defense policy:
- The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
- The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026
- The SPEED Act, which aims to reform defense acquisition processes
Recent congressional hearings have examined “Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base” and “Reforming Defense Acquisition.” However, some lawmakers like Sen. Ed Markey have opposed the $1 trillion NDAA, citing concerns about waste and efficiency.