AI FIRMS SLASH LOBBYING SPEND IN Q1 2025

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.