Big Tech companies spend massive sums on federal lobbying, dropping $20 million in Q1 2026 alone—about $226,000 daily across 11 major players like Meta, Alphabet, and AI firms Anthropic and OpenAI. Meta led with $7.1 million, while AI outfits hit records amid regulatory fights. This surge builds on 2025’s $109 million peak, fueling armies of 307 lobbyists from top firms like NetChoice, Brownstein Hyatt, and Akin Gump.
They target hot-button issues: AI liability bills in states like Illinois, Section 230 immunity reforms, child safety mandates such as KOSA, privacy rules, and antitrust crackdowns. Lobbyists block state laws via lawsuits, push federal preemption, and fund $200 million in super PACs for 2026 midterms. NetChoice, backed by Meta and Amazon, scores court wins against social media regs in Texas and Florida.
Key lobbying firms like Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck dominate with deep ties to Trump allies, handling AI clients such as Oracle and securing policy favors. Akin Gump and Holland & Knight provide bipartisan muscle for antitrust defenses, while Miller Strategies leverages insider access for Meta and Nvidia. These powerhouses, often out-earning rivals, rotate ex-lawmakers as lobbyists to sway bills behind closed doors.
Under President Trump’s second term, lobbying delivers wins like stalled AI oversight, TikTok delays, and lighter antitrust heat. Past track records show effectiveness — Issue One notes victories in Trump’s first year back, shielding platforms from breakups and mandates. Firms cozy up to Capitol Hill, outspending telecoms and arms giants.
K STREET’S CASH FLOOD: BIG TECH REWRITES THE RULES.
Sanjay Sahay
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