Newt Gingrich is using his proximity to Trump to jack up his speaking fees

(Image credit: Getty Images)

For former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, it literally pays to have friends in high places. Politico Playbook reported Friday that Gingrich's speaking agency Worldwide Speakers Group sent out an email Thursday announcing a "fee increase" on the basis of Gingrich's exclusive "insight" on President-elect Donald Trump. "Few people in the world have as much insight into President-elect Trump's philosophies, principles, and objectives as Newt Gingrich," the email says, per Politico. Though Gingrich has said he will not take a position in Trump's Cabinet, he will serve as an adviser to the administration.

To get Gingrich to speak, it now costs $25,000 in D.C., $60,000 east of Chicago, and $75,000 west of Chicago — and that's not including the transportation costs that Gingrich also requests are covered. All in all, Politico said, it's "an increase of about $15,000."

Gingrich told Politico he had "no comment."