OpenAI, Anthropic Raise Q2 Lobbying 23% to $3.17 Million Ahead of IPOs
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 21
OpenAI, Anthropic Raise Q2 Lobbying 23% to $3.17 Million Ahead of IPOs
1 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 21
Summary
$3.17 million in combined Q2 lobbying marked record spending for OpenAI and Anthropic, with Anthropic at $1.97 million and OpenAI at $1.2 million.
The increase came as both companies pressed Washington on cybersecurity, copyright, cloud computing and defense procurement ahead of midterm elections and expected IPOs.
Anthropic outspent Nvidia's $1.25 million and nearly matched Oracle's $2 million, while OpenAI finished within $50,000 of Nvidia as the AI firms narrowed the gap with bigger lobbying operations.
Big Tech's lobbying was largely flat at $21.25 million across five Magnificent Seven companies, while eight major defense contractors cut spending 3.3% to $19.68 million.
As AI giants spend millions to shape policy, are their public calls for regulation merely a strategic illusion?
With the government now blocking AI models, who truly controls the future of artificial intelligence in America?
OpenAI and Anthropic Shatter Lobbying Records with $3.17 Million Q2 2026 Push Amid IPO Race and Regulatory Battles
Overview
In Q2 2026, AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic made history by dramatically increasing their federal lobbying spending, reaching a combined $3.17 million—a 23% jump from the previous quarter. This surge highlights their growing influence in Washington as they close the gap with traditional tech and defense giants. Anthropic led with $1.97 million, even outspending Nvidia, while OpenAI also made a significant push. Their record investments signal a strategic shift, showing how AI firms are becoming major players in shaping policy and competing with established corporate lobbying operations.