The Shell Game Donors Use to Hide Their Identities
Party leaders’ super PACs are increasingly routing contributions through nonprofits first, so donor names disappear before the money shows up in public filings.
Follow the Money.
Sludge is your guide to the hidden forces shaping politics. Join for free today.
Latest posts
Spouse of Intel Committee Member Makes Timely Quantum Stock Purchase
MAGA Rep. Greg Steube’s spouse bought stock last month in a quantum computing company whose share price boomed when it reached a technical milestone and was awarded a defense contract.
AI Super PACs Are Unleashing Millions to Tilt Primaries in Their Favor
So far, the industry groups have won nearly all the races they’ve thrown their money at, helping to advance allies who could help shape AI legislation in the next Congress.
How Trump’s Former Digital Guru Is Shaping AI Narratives About Iran for Israel
After the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, a network run by Trump’s former digital chief Brad Parscale began publishing AI-optimized content aimed at shaping how the conflict would be understood.
These State Pension Funds Invest in Palantir
Public pension funds from California to New York hold a combined billions of dollars in Palantir stock, while teachers and other public employees protest their retirement savings funding the tech powering ICE operations.
DCCC Sets Lobbyist Cash Record as Dems Campaign on Affordability
The campaign arm pulled in $4.1 million from lobbyist bundlers in February, including firms representing pharmaceutical, insurance, and corporate landlords.
DOGE Operative Behind Nuclear Safety Rollbacks Sat on Industry-Backed VC Board
A key architect of Trump’s nuclear safety rollbacks simultaneously served on the board of a venture firm backed by nuclear industry investors.
AIPAC Splits in Illinois Races After $20M in Spending
AIPAC-tied groups poured millions into yesterday’s Illinois Democratic primaries, much of it from undisclosed sources. Here’s how it turned out.
Democrats Criticizing ICE Are Paying Consultants Tied to Palantir
Two prominent Democratic consulting firms, Wavelength Strategy and SKDK, are owned by Stagwell, a marketing company that partnered with major ICE contractor Palantir to build an AI-driven advertising and audience-targeting system.
AI Lobbyists Are Flying Congressional Staffers Around the Country on Luxury Trips
The Innovative Future Collective, packed with corporate lobbyists for AI industry giants like OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz, has been paying for House and Senate staff trips to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and London.