Sludge
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A non-partisan, independent news outlet exposing the moneyed interests that control U.S. politics.
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These follow-the-money stories exist because of readers like you, who support this reporting uncovering billionaire and special interest influence in politics.
December 26, 2025 at 4:22 PM
These follow-the-money stories exist because of readers like you, who support this reporting uncovering billionaire and special interest influence in politics.
New: A nonprofit that Elon Musk formerly funded reported receiving a $75 million anonymous donation last year, according to its tax filing obtained by Sludge. The group, Building America's Future, ran a deceptive campaign to support Trump's election.
Musk-Linked ‘Dark Money’ Group Got a $75 Million Anonymous Donation
A new 990 obtained by Sludge reveals the large anonymous donation to Building America's Future, which in the past has been used to keep Elon Musk's political spending secret.
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December 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
New: A nonprofit that Elon Musk formerly funded reported receiving a $75 million anonymous donation last year, according to its tax filing obtained by Sludge. The group, Building America's Future, ran a deceptive campaign to support Trump's election.
New: Koch network groups have been on a relentless campaign to block the ACA subsides from being extended.
Koch Network Fuels Republican Push to Kill ACA Subsidies
As millions face higher premiums, Koch‑funded groups are pressuring Republicans to oppose Obamacare subsidy extensions.
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December 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM
New: Koch network groups have been on a relentless campaign to block the ACA subsides from being extended.
AI industry lobbyists rubbed shoulders with 2028 hopefuls at the Democratic Governors Association holiday meeting. Big Tech is pushing hard to ban states from regulating AI, like the 100 AI safety laws passed this year.
Dem Governors Gathered With AI Lobbyists Ahead of Trump Preemption EO
OpenAI and Meta were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
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December 13, 2025 at 3:37 PM
AI industry lobbyists rubbed shoulders with 2028 hopefuls at the Democratic Governors Association holiday meeting. Big Tech is pushing hard to ban states from regulating AI, like the 100 AI safety laws passed this year.
Hundreds of corporate lobbyists descended on the Democratic Governors Association annual meeting, according to an attendee list obtained by Sludge. They mingled with 2028 hopefuls on behalf of pharma, oil & gas, and the AI industry.
Dem Governors Gathered With AI Lobbyists Ahead of Trump Preemption EO
OpenAI and Meta were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
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December 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Hundreds of corporate lobbyists descended on the Democratic Governors Association annual meeting, according to an attendee list obtained by Sludge. They mingled with 2028 hopefuls on behalf of pharma, oil & gas, and the AI industry.
OpenAI, Meta, and Google were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
Dem Governors Gathered With AI Lobbyists Ahead of Trump Preemption EO
OpenAI and Meta were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
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December 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM
OpenAI, Meta, and Google were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
Trump will sign an executive order seeking to block states from regulating AI. To counter, House Dems announced an AI commission on "innovation" led by members with a slew of ties to Big Tech—and who co-sponsored AI industry-friendly bills with Republicans.
The Democrats’ New AI Panel Is Led by Big Tech Allies
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a co-chair of the AI commission, owns up to tens of millions of dollars worth of stock in tech giants pushing to block states from regulating AI.
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December 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Trump will sign an executive order seeking to block states from regulating AI. To counter, House Dems announced an AI commission on "innovation" led by members with a slew of ties to Big Tech—and who co-sponsored AI industry-friendly bills with Republicans.
House Democrats announced a new AI commission stocked with Big Tech allies.
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
The Democrats’ New AI Panel Is Led by Big Tech Allies
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a co-chair of the AI commission, owns up to tens of millions of dollars worth of stock in tech giants pushing to block states from regulating AI.
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December 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
House Democrats announced a new AI commission stocked with Big Tech allies.
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
Last week, the EPA nearly doubled the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, according to ProPublica.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
Lobbyist-Led EPA Office Set to Add a New Chemical Industry Hire
Longtime cleaning products lobbyist Douglas Troutman is nominated to lead the EPA office that has worked to stop the MAHA Commission from restricting toxic chemicals and pesticides.
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December 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Last week, the EPA nearly doubled the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, according to ProPublica.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
House Republicans are pushing a bill to preempt state and local bans on natural gas hookups in new construction. Critics say the bill is so broad it could also block many other policies that limit fossil fuels. Our latest:
House GOP Advances Clean Energy Rollbacks
Gas hookup bans, showerhead water limits, and mobile home energy efficiency requirements were among the measures targeted by Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans this week.
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December 4, 2025 at 6:26 PM
House Republicans are pushing a bill to preempt state and local bans on natural gas hookups in new construction. Critics say the bill is so broad it could also block many other policies that limit fossil fuels. Our latest:
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December 2, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Funding support from readers who choose to become paid subscribers is our single largest revenue source.
If you appreciate our investigative reporting, please become a subscriber and get full access—your support will be boosted 12x by the NewsMatch.
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Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on WNYC that he receives only $10,000 from AIPAC's PAC, but FEC records show the group has flooded his campaign with more than $1 million in earmarked donations.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
Jeffries Misleads on AIPAC PAC Money
Though Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said that AIPAC PAC gives him only the per-cycle maximum, the group has flooded his campaign with more than a million dollars in earmarked donations.
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November 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on WNYC that he receives only $10,000 from AIPAC's PAC, but FEC records show the group has flooded his campaign with more than $1 million in earmarked donations.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
A conduit used by AIPAC PAC, Democracy Engine, may be funneling more from the group.
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Get full access and follow the money:
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November 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
We've broken some big stories this year, and now we need your support during the NewsMatch.
Your new subscription to Sludge will be 12x-matched. We can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Get full access and follow the money:
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Your new subscription to Sludge will be 12x-matched. We can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Get full access and follow the money:
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Our biggest fundraising drive of the year has begun. The NewsMatch drive has been our most important funding source, directly making our money-in-politics reporting possible.
But we can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Join Sludge, and get full access: readsludge.com/join
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Join Sludge, and get full access: readsludge.com/join
November 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Our biggest fundraising drive of the year has begun. The NewsMatch drive has been our most important funding source, directly making our money-in-politics reporting possible.
But we can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
Join Sludge, and get full access: readsludge.com/join
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Join Sludge, and get full access: readsludge.com/join
Reposted by Sludge
NEW REPORT: NY polluters have increased lobbying by 52.3% since @governor.ny.gov took office — while NYers saw gas bills rise by an average of $288/year & utilities posted record profits. This is what blocking climate action looks like. Read more: bit.ly/PolluterLobb...
@nyrenews.bsky.social
@nyrenews.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
NEW REPORT: NY polluters have increased lobbying by 52.3% since @governor.ny.gov took office — while NYers saw gas bills rise by an average of $288/year & utilities posted record profits. This is what blocking climate action looks like. Read more: bit.ly/PolluterLobb...
@nyrenews.bsky.social
@nyrenews.bsky.social
Reposted by Sludge
Trump bought up to $1 million in Warner Bros debt in September. He is reportedly pushing for a Paramount Skydance takeover of the company, which could boost the bond’s price. readsludge.com/2025/11/17/t...
Trump Invests in Media Merger His Administration Controls
Days after the Ellison family expressed interest in buying Warner Bros. Discovery, Trump bought up to $1 million in its debt. He is now reportedly pushing the deal to be approved.
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November 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Trump bought up to $1 million in Warner Bros debt in September. He is reportedly pushing for a Paramount Skydance takeover of the company, which could boost the bond’s price. readsludge.com/2025/11/17/t...
NEW: Trump Invests in Media Merger His Administration Controls readsludge.com/2025/11/17/t...
Trump Invests in Media Merger His Administration Controls
Days after the Ellison family expressed interest in buying Warner Bros. Discovery, Trump bought up to $1 million in its debt. He is now reportedly pushing the deal to be approved.
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November 17, 2025 at 5:05 PM
NEW: Trump Invests in Media Merger His Administration Controls readsludge.com/2025/11/17/t...
Elon Musk sat down again with the Joe Rogan show and recycled his widely-disproven claims of "massive fraud" in the Social Security program—and as before, faced no fact-checks on the show.
Fact Check: Musk Repeats Social Security Conspiracy on Joe Rogan Podcast
Musk recycled his claims of "massive fraud" in the Social Security program, this time saying it caused the recent government shutdown—and again, faced no fact checks on the show.
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November 14, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Elon Musk sat down again with the Joe Rogan show and recycled his widely-disproven claims of "massive fraud" in the Social Security program—and as before, faced no fact-checks on the show.
Cantor Fitzgerald, the family-run firm of Howard Lutnick, is on track for all-time high revenue this year of $2.5 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Its stake in stablecoin company Tether, which benefits from the Trump admin's crypto policies, could result in tens of billions in profit.
Its stake in stablecoin company Tether, which benefits from the Trump admin's crypto policies, could result in tens of billions in profit.
Lutnick Could Sit on Crypto Council Despite Conflicts
Asked by senators, the Commerce secretary nominee declined to commit to recusing himself despite his cryptocurrency conflicts.
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November 14, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Cantor Fitzgerald, the family-run firm of Howard Lutnick, is on track for all-time high revenue this year of $2.5 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Its stake in stablecoin company Tether, which benefits from the Trump admin's crypto policies, could result in tens of billions in profit.
Its stake in stablecoin company Tether, which benefits from the Trump admin's crypto policies, could result in tens of billions in profit.
Reposted by Sludge
Glad to speak about the booze angle on THC showdown in the Senate with @sludge.bsky.social, an independent outlet that publishes some of the smartest and most dogged reporting available on money in politics:
On alcohol trade groups pushing a ban on THC drinks, @dinfontay.com said, it's "unusual to see them be in favor of a form of prohibition, given the history of the industry in America.
“There’s irony in watching them wield the cudgel of a ban.”
“There’s irony in watching them wield the cudgel of a ban.”
Alcohol Industry Groups Push to Ban THC Drinks in Government Funding Bill
A ban on hemp-derived products with THC was added to the bill reopening the government, pitting Sen. Mitch McConnell against fellow Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a hemp industry supporter.
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November 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Glad to speak about the booze angle on THC showdown in the Senate with @sludge.bsky.social, an independent outlet that publishes some of the smartest and most dogged reporting available on money in politics:
Popular THC drinks face a federal ban in the bill to reopen the government. The measure, backed by Mitch McConnell and being fought by Rand Paul, was added after a lobbying push from large alcohol companies.
Alcohol Industry Groups Push to Ban THC Drinks in Government Funding Bill
A ban on hemp-derived products with THC was added to the bill reopening the government, pitting Sen. Mitch McConnell against fellow Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a hemp industry supporter.
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November 11, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Popular THC drinks face a federal ban in the bill to reopen the government. The measure, backed by Mitch McConnell and being fought by Rand Paul, was added after a lobbying push from large alcohol companies.
NEW: Despite ActBlue’s updated policies banning fake matches and deadlines, Democratic Party groups are continuing to spam supporters with messages designed to trick them into giving money. readsludge.com/2025/11/06/t...
The Democrats Won’t Stop Spamming
Despite ActBlue’s updated policies banning fake matches and deadlines, Democratic Party groups are continuing to spam supporters with messages designed to trick them into giving money.
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November 6, 2025 at 6:51 PM
NEW: Despite ActBlue’s updated policies banning fake matches and deadlines, Democratic Party groups are continuing to spam supporters with messages designed to trick them into giving money. readsludge.com/2025/11/06/t...
New York City's election today comes after hundreds of thousands of city residents made small donations that were matched in the public campaign financing program.
In 2021, a Brennan Center report found that NYC's matching option helped make city government more representative.
In 2021, a Brennan Center report found that NYC's matching option helped make city government more representative.
NYC Public Campaign Financing Program Leveled the Playing Field: Report
A new Brennan Center analysis found that New York City's small-dollar matching program was key in electing record numbers of women and people of color to City Council.
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November 4, 2025 at 5:24 PM
New York City's election today comes after hundreds of thousands of city residents made small donations that were matched in the public campaign financing program.
In 2021, a Brennan Center report found that NYC's matching option helped make city government more representative.
In 2021, a Brennan Center report found that NYC's matching option helped make city government more representative.
Binance facilitated a $2 billion deal using the Trump family token USD1, and its founder CZ got a pardon.
In July, Binance CEO Richard Teng joined the advisory board of crypto lobbying group The Digital Chamber, as the industry spends record amounts:
readsludge.com/2025/07/23/c...
In July, Binance CEO Richard Teng joined the advisory board of crypto lobbying group The Digital Chamber, as the industry spends record amounts:
readsludge.com/2025/07/23/c...
November 3, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Binance facilitated a $2 billion deal using the Trump family token USD1, and its founder CZ got a pardon.
In July, Binance CEO Richard Teng joined the advisory board of crypto lobbying group The Digital Chamber, as the industry spends record amounts:
readsludge.com/2025/07/23/c...
In July, Binance CEO Richard Teng joined the advisory board of crypto lobbying group The Digital Chamber, as the industry spends record amounts:
readsludge.com/2025/07/23/c...
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November 1, 2025 at 2:24 PM
NewsMatch is here, the best time to support our money-in-politics reporting. Become a Sludge subscriber, get full access to our stories and site archives, and your support will be matched 12x in the drive.
>> readsludge.com/join
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