Crypto Industry Is Spending More on Lobbying Than Ever
Eyeing major legislative wins, the cryptocurrency industry is on pace to spend a record amount on federal lobbying, according to a Sludge analysis of disclosures covering the first half of 2025.
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Eyeing major legislative wins, the cryptocurrency industry is on pace to spend a record amount on federal lobbying, according to a Sludge analysis of disclosures covering the first half of 2025.
The Trump-tied defense contractor has given more than $5 million since 2023 to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, a nonprofit led by GOP establishment figures that seeks to shape defense policy.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), who shepherded through a defense budget increase, is getting a stream of donations from Pentagon contractor PACs in his swing district race.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are touting their products to be part of President Trump’s missile defense project, angling to join rumored favorites SpaceX and Palantir.
The bills are backed by crypto industry lobbying groups whose funders spent tens of millions last year to help elect pro-crypto lawmakers.
Venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale, a close ally of Elon Musk who announced the project, and his Koch network funding partner each have extensive investments in healthcare startups subject to FDA regulations.
Bipartisan representatives including Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse were gifted a luxe trip to England last month by a business-funded centrist group as the GOP advanced its budget reconciliation bill.
The companies and others are helping powerful lobbying groups fight lawmakers' efforts to address climate change.
Here are the lawmakers who have purchased stocks in defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and RTX since President Trump's election win.
Sen. Schumer and Rep. Jeffries are defending Israel's attack on Iran and have refrained from backing resolutions to prevent Trump from getting the U.S. military more involved.