Sludge
@sludge.bsky.social
A non-partisan, independent news outlet exposing the moneyed interests that control U.S. politics.
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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.
readsludge.com
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.
readsludge.com
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.
readsludge.com
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
>> readsludge.com/join
NEW: Senate Panel Advances Wildfire Bill Slammed as Timber Industry Giveaway readsludge.com/2025/10/30/s...
Senate Panel Advances Wildfire Bill Slammed as Timber Industry Giveaway
Its bipartisan congressional sponsors say the bill, the Fix Our Forests Act, is an important step toward reducing catastrophic fire risk.
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October 30, 2025 at 7:42 PM
NEW: Senate Panel Advances Wildfire Bill Slammed as Timber Industry Giveaway readsludge.com/2025/10/30/s...
Not just crypto and fossil fuels — Big Pharma, chemical companies, and Big Banks received policy favors and regulatory handouts after giving millions to Trump’s inauguration fund. Search more than 150 top donors:
readsludge.com/2025/10/29/t...
readsludge.com/2025/10/29/t...
Trump's Corporate Favor Factory
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year.
readsludge.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Not just crypto and fossil fuels — Big Pharma, chemical companies, and Big Banks received policy favors and regulatory handouts after giving millions to Trump’s inauguration fund. Search more than 150 top donors:
readsludge.com/2025/10/29/t...
readsludge.com/2025/10/29/t...
Reposted by Sludge
"Trump's Corporate Favor Factory"
@sludge.bsky.social "researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year."
@sludge.bsky.social "researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year."
Trump's Corporate Favor Factory
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year.
readsludge.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:19 PM
"Trump's Corporate Favor Factory"
@sludge.bsky.social "researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year."
@sludge.bsky.social "researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year."
Big Tech firms had FTC cases dropped. Chemical companies got air pollution exemptions. Crypto, fossil fuels, and private equity were handed long-sought policies.
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration and White House ballroom to catalog their favors this year:
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration and White House ballroom to catalog their favors this year:
Trump's Corporate Favor Factory
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump’s inauguration fund and White House ballroom to find the government favors they’ve received this year.
readsludge.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Big Tech firms had FTC cases dropped. Chemical companies got air pollution exemptions. Crypto, fossil fuels, and private equity were handed long-sought policies.
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration and White House ballroom to catalog their favors this year:
We researched more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration and White House ballroom to catalog their favors this year:
With More Perfect Union, we helped research this new, searchable list of the favors given to more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration and White House ballroom.
Search by name to see regulations axed, cases dropped, and ambassadorships doled out:
>> perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Search by name to see regulations axed, cases dropped, and ambassadorships doled out:
>> perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
October 29, 2025 at 1:01 PM
With More Perfect Union, we helped research this new, searchable list of the favors given to more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration and White House ballroom.
Search by name to see regulations axed, cases dropped, and ambassadorships doled out:
>> perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Search by name to see regulations axed, cases dropped, and ambassadorships doled out:
>> perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Launched: in collaboration with @moreperfectunion.bsky.social, we dug into the top donors to Trump's inaugural and his new White House ballroom—and the favors they got.
Search over 150 corporate and wealthy Trump donors and see their prizes this year. perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Search over 150 corporate and wealthy Trump donors and see their prizes this year. perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Trump's Corporate Colluders - More Perfect Union
We analyzed more than 150 top donors to Trump's inauguration fund and the White House ballroom construction to figure out which corporations are donating — and what they got in return.
perfectunion.us
October 28, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Launched: in collaboration with @moreperfectunion.bsky.social, we dug into the top donors to Trump's inaugural and his new White House ballroom—and the favors they got.
Search over 150 corporate and wealthy Trump donors and see their prizes this year. perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Search over 150 corporate and wealthy Trump donors and see their prizes this year. perfectunion.us/trumps-corpo...
Lobbying is booming to record highs under Trump, with PhRMA and others on track to spend all-time highs. Trump-allied firms are the top beneficiaries.
Lobbying Hits Record Highs Under Trump
Lobbyists in Trump’s fundraising circle are surging in a record-breaking year for influence spending, as companies like Pfizer cut deals with the White House.
readsludge.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Lobbying is booming to record highs under Trump, with PhRMA and others on track to spend all-time highs. Trump-allied firms are the top beneficiaries.
Pfizer recently cut a deal with the Trump White House that watchdogs and investors saw as favorable for the company. After Trump's election win, the drugmaker re-hired the lobbying firm Miller Strategies, founded by a Trump campaign fundraiser.
It's just one of the corporate giants seeking access:
It's just one of the corporate giants seeking access:
Lobbying Hits Record Highs Under Trump
Lobbyists in Trump’s fundraising circle are surging in a record-breaking year for influence spending, as companies like Pfizer cut deals with the White House.
readsludge.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Pfizer recently cut a deal with the Trump White House that watchdogs and investors saw as favorable for the company. After Trump's election win, the drugmaker re-hired the lobbying firm Miller Strategies, founded by a Trump campaign fundraiser.
It's just one of the corporate giants seeking access:
It's just one of the corporate giants seeking access:
NEW: Corporate PACs that fund anti-Muslim extremist Rep. Randy Fine decline to comment on their donations. readsludge.com/2025/10/23/c...
Corporate PACs Fund ‘Anti-Muslim Extremist’ Rep. Randy Fine
Comcast, CVS, Boeing, and other major corporations have made PAC donations to the Florida Republican despite his repeated calls for violence against Muslims and Palestinians.
readsludge.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:33 PM
NEW: Corporate PACs that fund anti-Muslim extremist Rep. Randy Fine decline to comment on their donations. readsludge.com/2025/10/23/c...
ICE is stepping up its raids in Chicago, New York City, Portland, and elsewhere.
Find all companies nationwide that have active ICE contracts — on our free, interactive map:
readsludge.com/2025/05/09/w...
Find all companies nationwide that have active ICE contracts — on our free, interactive map:
readsludge.com/2025/05/09/w...
Who’s Profiting From ICE?
Use this interactive map to see the companies near you with active U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contracts.
readsludge.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM
ICE is stepping up its raids in Chicago, New York City, Portland, and elsewhere.
Find all companies nationwide that have active ICE contracts — on our free, interactive map:
readsludge.com/2025/05/09/w...
Find all companies nationwide that have active ICE contracts — on our free, interactive map:
readsludge.com/2025/05/09/w...
Chuck Schumer's reported favorites in primaries in Michigan and Minnesota are centrists endorsed by AIPAC. Both have received six figures in contributions from AIPAC's PAC this year—and are considered supportive by the crypto industry.
In Maine, the DSCC is fundraising with Schumer's centrist pick.
In Maine, the DSCC is fundraising with Schumer's centrist pick.
Schumer Lines up Behind Centrists in Senate Primaries
In Michigan and Minnesota, Schumer’s reported favorites align with AIPAC’s endorsements and the crypto industry's supporters.
readsludge.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Chuck Schumer's reported favorites in primaries in Michigan and Minnesota are centrists endorsed by AIPAC. Both have received six figures in contributions from AIPAC's PAC this year—and are considered supportive by the crypto industry.
In Maine, the DSCC is fundraising with Schumer's centrist pick.
In Maine, the DSCC is fundraising with Schumer's centrist pick.
NEW: While some Dems are breaking from AIPAC, Cory Booker is taking the group's money for the first time in his career. readsludge.com/2025/10/16/w...
While Some Democrats Ditch AIPAC, Cory Booker Cashes In
Booker recently declined to say if he believes Netanyahu is a war criminal and criticized the International Criminal Court for singling out Israel.
readsludge.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:38 PM
NEW: While some Dems are breaking from AIPAC, Cory Booker is taking the group's money for the first time in his career. readsludge.com/2025/10/16/w...
NEW: Boeing appears on up to $26.7 billion in arms sales approved for Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, topping all other U.S. defense contractors. readsludge.com/2025/10/13/b...
Boeing’s Arms Sales Thrive on Gaza Genocide
With $26.7 billion in approved Israel arms sales since October 7, 2023, Boeing stands out as a top beneficiary of the Gaza war.
readsludge.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM
NEW: Boeing appears on up to $26.7 billion in arms sales approved for Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, topping all other U.S. defense contractors. readsludge.com/2025/10/13/b...
NEW: Following the bot army backlash, Israel ramps up propaganda with 3 US firms: $6M Gen Z campaign by Brad Parscale, "Esther Project" that pays influencers, and a VR "10/7 Experience" deployed at churches. readsludge.com/2025/10/06/i...
Israel’s New U.S. Influence Campaigns Target TikTok, Churches, and ChatGPT
In the wake of SKDK’s cancelled contract, three firms newly registered under FARA are executing influence operations in the U.S. for Israel.
readsludge.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:50 PM
NEW: Following the bot army backlash, Israel ramps up propaganda with 3 US firms: $6M Gen Z campaign by Brad Parscale, "Esther Project" that pays influencers, and a VR "10/7 Experience" deployed at churches. readsludge.com/2025/10/06/i...
NEW: Virginia AG Jason Miyares, deeply tied to the Leonard Leo network, has received $4 million+ from Leo-backed groups for his re-election. In 2023, he intervened to block a DC probe into Leo's nonprofits. readsludge.com/2025/10/02/t...
The Leo Network Behind Virginia’s Attorney General
Jason Miyares’ political rise is intertwined with Leonard Leo’s conservative machine, from shared consultants to millions in outside spending and a personal intervention to defend Leo during a D.C. in...
readsludge.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:46 PM
NEW: Virginia AG Jason Miyares, deeply tied to the Leonard Leo network, has received $4 million+ from Leo-backed groups for his re-election. In 2023, he intervened to block a DC probe into Leo's nonprofits. readsludge.com/2025/10/02/t...
Reposted by Sludge
Chemical Industry set to gain more influence at EPA - MAHA should be Gaga readsludge.com/2025/09/26/l...
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.
readsludge.com
September 26, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Chemical Industry set to gain more influence at EPA - MAHA should be Gaga readsludge.com/2025/09/26/l...
The EPA office overseeing toxic chemicals and pesticides is run by three former chemical lobbyists, and is about to welcome a fourth as its new leader. Our latest:
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.
readsludge.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The EPA office overseeing toxic chemicals and pesticides is run by three former chemical lobbyists, and is about to welcome a fourth as its new leader. Our latest:
ByteDance will hold bigger-than-expected stakes in the new TikTok companies that will allow U.S. operations after national security concerns, per Reuters.
Months before the election last year, TikTok hired lobbying firm Ballard Partners, run by one of Trump's top campaign bundlers Brian Ballard.
Months before the election last year, TikTok hired lobbying firm Ballard Partners, run by one of Trump's top campaign bundlers Brian Ballard.
Trump-Tied Ballard Partners Becomes the Highest-Paid Lobbying Firm in D.C.
The firm, which employed Attorney General Pam Bondi and other Trump administration officials as lobbyists, saw its lobbying revenue skyrocket by 300% year-over-year.
readsludge.com
September 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ByteDance will hold bigger-than-expected stakes in the new TikTok companies that will allow U.S. operations after national security concerns, per Reuters.
Months before the election last year, TikTok hired lobbying firm Ballard Partners, run by one of Trump's top campaign bundlers Brian Ballard.
Months before the election last year, TikTok hired lobbying firm Ballard Partners, run by one of Trump's top campaign bundlers Brian Ballard.
Big Tech sponsored trips for congressional staffers to Aspen, Silicon Valley, and other spots to hear about AI from their executives over August recess. Latest batch of travel disclosures for the House and Senate:
Congressional Staff Mingled With AI Giants Over Summer Break
House and Senate staffers were given sponsored trips over their August recess to attend conferences and company tours with Google, Meta, Palantir, and SpaceX.
readsludge.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Big Tech sponsored trips for congressional staffers to Aspen, Silicon Valley, and other spots to hear about AI from their executives over August recess. Latest batch of travel disclosures for the House and Senate:
House and Senate staffers were given sponsored trips over the August recess to attend conferences on AI policy and company tours with Google, Meta, Palantir, and SpaceX, according to travel disclosures.
Congressional Staff Mingled With AI Giants Over Summer Break
House and Senate staffers were given sponsored trips over their August recess to attend conferences and company tours with Google, Meta, Palantir, and SpaceX.
readsludge.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:27 PM
House and Senate staffers were given sponsored trips over the August recess to attend conferences on AI policy and company tours with Google, Meta, Palantir, and SpaceX, according to travel disclosures.