Sludge
@sludge.bsky.social
A non-partisan, independent news outlet exposing the moneyed interests that control U.S. politics.
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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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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:
🙌 🙌 readsludge.com/membership/
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:
🙌 🙌 readsludge.com/membership/
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
But we can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
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
But we can only get this crucial funding with help from our readers.
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.
readsludge.com
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.
readsludge.com
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.
readsludge.com
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.
readsludge.com
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.
readsludge.com
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.
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...
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
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.
readsludge.com
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...