Open Secrets Archives | American Democracy Minute

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.”

Elon Musk Spent Over a Quarter Billion Dollars in the 2024 Election – More Than Expected. Millions More Came After the Election

February 3, 2025February 5, 2025

New Federal Election Commission filings by multi-billionaire and quasi Trump cabinet member Elon Musk show he and his companies spent at least $288 million dollars in the 2024 election cycle, even more than expected.

An Estimated $15.9 Billion was Spent in the 2024 Election Cycle, and 50% of It Came from the Top 1% of Special Interest Donors

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025

As we approach the 15th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s fateful Citizens United decision, we consider the estimated $15.9 billion dollars spent in the 2024 campaign. That’s a lot of special interest influence.

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 Been a Year Since the East Palestine Toxic Train Derailment. Since then, the Rail Industry Spent Millions in Congress to Stop More Regulation.

February 4, 2024February 4, 2024

February 3rd, 2023, 38 Norfolk Southern rail cars detailed in East Palestine, OH, 20 of which carried hazardous materials, and 11 of which caught fire. The Railway Safety Act was filed shortly after in Congress, but in 2023, Norfolk Southern and the rail industry spent millions to kill it.