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AI FIRMS SLASH LOBBYING SPEND IN Q1 2025

AI DESK1 MIN READ
WED, APR 22, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Anthropic and OpenAI dramatically reduced their lobbying expenditures in the first quarter of 2025, dropping to $360K and $560K respectively from their Q1 2026 peaks of $1.6M and $1M.

Both companies posted their highest lobbying spends ever in Q1 2026, but reversed course sharply in 2025. Anthropic cut spending by 78%, while OpenAI reduced outlays by 44%. Meta led Big Tech lobbying efforts with $7.1M in Q1 spending, maintaining its position as the sector's heaviest spender on government relations. The pullback by AI companies marks a notable shift after initial aggressive efforts to shape regulatory policy around artificial intelligence. The reasons for the reductions remain unclear, though they may reflect changing political priorities or internal budget adjustments at both firms. Lobbying filings provide quarterly snapshots of corporate spending aimed at influencing federal policy and legislation.

■ SOURCES

TechmemeTechmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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