Story perspectives

AI Giants Spend $20M Lobbying, $200M Super-PAC Funding

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Big Tech’s lobbying outlays reached $20 million in Q1 2026, nearly double the 2020 level as AI firms expand their Washington presence.
Eleven firms—including Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Anthropic and OpenAI—reported the $20 million expense, hired 307 lobbyists, and spent $7.1 million (Meta) and $4.13 million (Alphabet) on lobbying.
AI companies are directing about $200 million to super-PACs for the 2026 midterms, while OpenAI backs an Illinois liability-limiting bill and Anthropic supports SB 3261 requiring a safety plan.

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Story summary

Big Tech’s lobbying outlays reached $20 million in Q1 2026, nearly double the 2020 level as AI firms expand their Washington presence.
Eleven firms—including Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Anthropic and OpenAI—reported the $20 million expense, hired 307 lobbyists, and spent $7.1 million (Meta) and $4.13 million (Alphabet) on lobbying.
AI companies are directing about $200 million to super-PACs for the 2026 midterms, while OpenAI backs an Illinois liability-limiting bill and Anthropic supports SB 3261 requiring a safety plan.