Money in Politics Archives | American Democracy Minute

What is a ‘Baby FARA’ and Why are States Enacting It?

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

The federal version of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, has been in place since 1938, but recently, states are passing their own versions, nicknamed “baby FARAs.” What are they, and how do they relate to American Democracy?

Trump ‘Meme Coin’ Cryptocurrency Scheme Selling Access to the President Raises Alarms for Emolument Clause Violations

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

President Donald Trump launched a cryptocurrency “meme coin” with his likeness on January 17th, just before inauguration day. April 21st, with its value plummeting, the company offered top buyers of the coin a dinner with Trump and a personal tour of the White House. That likely violates the Emoluments Clause.

61 Individual and Corporate Donors Gave $1M or More to Trump’s Inaugural. Where did the $239M Go? We’ll Likely Never Know.

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025

A parade of well-known brands and CEOs lavished a post-election tribute of $239 million dollars to the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, according to a new filing with the Federal Election Commission. What was it used for? Voters will likely never know.

Former Congressman and Trump Nominee for IRS Commissioner Under Scrutiny for Campaign Finances and Ties to Alleged Tax Credit Scheme

April 20, 2025April 20, 2025

A former Missouri Congressman and President Trump’s nominee for IRS Commissioner is under scrutiny for a sudden loan repayment for his failed U.S. Senate campaign. He allegedly has ties to a company promoting nonexistent “tribal tax credits.”

$76 Million was Spent in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race. Will All That Money Translate Into Fairer Congressional Voting Districts?

April 2, 2025April 2, 2025

In the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, an estimated $76 million dollars was spent - shattering a U.S. record for judicial races. But will it result in fairer Congressional voting districts in Wisconsin?