The AI Industry’s Influence Operation: How Big Money Undermines Democracy, and What Can Be Done About it

On September 29, 2026, Campaign Legal Center published a case study examining the ways the artificial intelligence (AI) industry influences the federal government and how its big money drowns out voters’ voices. The case study compares the AI industry’s operation to other corporate influence campaigns, including efforts by the crypto, pharma, and fossil fuel industries. Finally, the case study proposes solutions for ensuring that government officials are responsive to voters, not wealthy special interests.