Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Only 15 of 250 Companies Keep Promise to Democracy

8/3/2025

30 3

Summary

Story summary

A shocking report uncovers that just 15 out of nearly 250 companies have honored their promises to stop funding anti-democratic lawmakers since the Capitol riots. Major players like Koch Industries and AT&T persist in backing the Sedition Caucus, fueling a troubling rise in corporate donations to election deniers and jeopardizing the very foundations of democracy and economic stability in the U.S.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC allowed unlimited corporate spending in U.S. elections, reshaping political financing. This decision followed a historical trend of increasing corporate influence, dating back to the late 19th century when corporations gained legal personhood. By 2020, corporations spent over $1 billion in elections, raising concerns about their impact on democracy and governance.

1 of 2

Story summary

A shocking report uncovers that just 15 out of nearly 250 companies have honored their promises to stop funding anti-democratic lawmakers since the Capitol riots. Major players like Koch Industries and AT&T persist in backing the Sedition Caucus, fueling a troubling rise in corporate donations to election deniers and jeopardizing the very foundations of democracy and economic stability in the U.S.

1 / 2