Special Interests Archives | American Democracy Minute

The Presidential Transition Turns Into One Big Dark Money Special Interest Swamp

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

Federal election law governs campaign contributions directly to Presidential candidates. But when an incoming administration refuses to follow the Presidential transition rules, those contributions become an unregulated spigot of special interest dark money.

Shades of Corruption: Menendez & Cuellar Prosecuted for Accepting Cash & Cars; Trump Reportedly Promises Climate Rollbacks for $1B in Campaign Contributions from Big Oil with Repercussions Unlikely

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024

The corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez started May 13th for allegedly taking gold bars and cash in exchange for favors. May 3rd, the U.S. Justice Department announced bribery charges against Congressman Henry Cuellar. May 9th, news surfaced that former President Donald Trump promised U.S. oil executives he’d roll back climate regulations – and asked for $1 Billion dollars in contributions.

Ever Wonder The Reason It Took So Long for the IRS to Offer an Online Tax Preparation App? Big Money Lobbying.

April 14, 2024April 14, 2024

The IRS has a pilot program in 12 states this year to file your personal taxes online for free without the use of 3rd party software. Wonder why it took so long? Big money lobbying.

It’s the 13th Anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United Decision. What is Citizens United and Why Should You Care?

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

January 21st is the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, one of the most consequential decisions about how elections are funded. What is it, and why should YOU care about it?