Money in Politics Archives | Page 2 of 8 | American Democracy Minute

U.S. Supreme Court Takes Case Challenging Limits on Political Party Spending. It Could Open Up Another Flood of Money into Campaigns.

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided in Buckley vs. Valeo and Citizens United that unlimited money spent for campaigns equaled free speech, and enabled the rise of Super PACs. But it kept limits on certain types of spending by political parties. A case by Republicans heard in the high court this fall tests those limits.

Looking for a Presidential Pardon? Loyalty and Endorsements are Apparently More Important Than Political Corruption

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025

President Donald Trump recently announced pardons to a range of individuals, including convicted drug dealers, fraudsters, and . . . convicted public officials. ABC New reports 1 in 5 have political or financial ties to the president.

Meme Coins & 747s: Campaign Finance Reformer Doris “Granny D” Haddock’s Immortal Words on Memorial Day

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025

As the egregious violations of the emoluments clause add up, with unknown millions in dark money contributed during the transition, another $240 million in inaugural donations, and now peddling meme coins and receiving a Boeing 747, I wonder what Granny D would have said. My guess? She'd be circling the U.S. Capitol again.

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.