Sludge
@sludge.bsky.social
A non-partisan, independent news outlet exposing the moneyed interests that control U.S. politics.
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Responding to our report, Lisa McClain says it couldn’t be insider trading because if she had insider knowledge her husband would have bought way more xAI stock.
January 15, 2026 at 4:01 AM
Responding to our report, Lisa McClain says it couldn’t be insider trading because if she had insider knowledge her husband would have bought way more xAI stock.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) responds after our report today on her husband's purchase of non-public xAI stock worth between $100,000–$250,000:
NN: There's a report your husband bought stock in Musk's xAI days before news surfaced the Pentagon is expanding xAI's role in military systems. Can you assure us this wasn't based on inside info?
McCLAIN: If it was, we wouldn't have bought 100,000 shares. We would've bought a heck of a lot more
McCLAIN: If it was, we wouldn't have bought 100,000 shares. We would've bought a heck of a lot more
January 14, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) responds after our report today on her husband's purchase of non-public xAI stock worth between $100,000–$250,000:
The House Administration Committee just passed the GOP leadership-backed bill on congressional stock trading, which next heads to the floor. The bill would allow members of Congress to keep their stock holdings, including in companies they oversee on committee.
GOP Stock Trading Bill Leaves Glaring Conflicts Untouched
Senators and reps could continue to hold stock in companies they oversee on their committees under a GOP leadership-backed stock bill that is being fast-tracked through the House.
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January 14, 2026 at 5:01 PM
The House Administration Committee just passed the GOP leadership-backed bill on congressional stock trading, which next heads to the floor. The bill would allow members of Congress to keep their stock holdings, including in companies they oversee on committee.
NEW: Just days before the Pentagon announced a major integration with Grok, House Republican Conference chairwoman Lisa McClain's family bought up to $250,000 worth of non-public xAI stock. readsludge.com/2026/01/14/g...
GOP Leader’s Family Buys xAI Stock Days Before Pentagon Integration
House Republican Conference chairwoman Lisa McClain disclosed the purchase made just days before the Pentagon announced a major integration with xAI.
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January 14, 2026 at 3:52 PM
NEW: Just days before the Pentagon announced a major integration with Grok, House Republican Conference chairwoman Lisa McClain's family bought up to $250,000 worth of non-public xAI stock. readsludge.com/2026/01/14/g...
NEW: The House GOP's new stock trading bill would let lawmakers continue profiting from stocks in companies they oversee on their committees.
Here are some of the most glaring conflicts of interest that would remain unaddressed. readsludge.com/2026/01/13/g...
Here are some of the most glaring conflicts of interest that would remain unaddressed. readsludge.com/2026/01/13/g...
GOP Stock Trading Bill Leaves Glaring Conflicts Untouched
Senators and reps could continue to hold stock in companies they oversees on their committees under a GOP leadership-backed stock bill that is being fast-tracked through the House.
readsludge.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:25 PM
NEW: The House GOP's new stock trading bill would let lawmakers continue profiting from stocks in companies they oversee on their committees.
Here are some of the most glaring conflicts of interest that would remain unaddressed. readsludge.com/2026/01/13/g...
Here are some of the most glaring conflicts of interest that would remain unaddressed. readsludge.com/2026/01/13/g...
The right-wing Foundation for Government Accountability sponsored state lawmakers at a conference training conservatives in "Deploying the One, Big, Beautiful, Bill Arsenal."
"The fight isn't in D.C.—it's in your capitol, and you are the cavalry," the group said. New from us:
"The fight isn't in D.C.—it's in your capitol, and you are the cavalry," the group said. New from us:
Right-Wing Group Trains State Lawmakers to Cut the Safety Net
Sludge obtained a conference agenda from the Foundation for Government Accountability that uses the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" as a launch pad for sweeping conservative policies like cuts to SNAP an...
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January 9, 2026 at 9:10 PM
The right-wing Foundation for Government Accountability sponsored state lawmakers at a conference training conservatives in "Deploying the One, Big, Beautiful, Bill Arsenal."
"The fight isn't in D.C.—it's in your capitol, and you are the cavalry," the group said. New from us:
"The fight isn't in D.C.—it's in your capitol, and you are the cavalry," the group said. New from us:
NEW: Democratic ad firm Bully Pulpit was paid $8.9 million in 2024 by a health insurance industry group working to ensure companies like UnitedHealth and Humana can continue overbilling Medicare. readsludge.com/2026/01/08/d...
Democratic Ad Firm Works to Protect Insurance Company Profits
Bully Pulpit International, a leading Democratic digital firm, was paid millions in 2024 by a health insurance industry group that is working to ensure companies like UnitedHealth and Humana can conti...
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January 8, 2026 at 6:08 PM
NEW: Democratic ad firm Bully Pulpit was paid $8.9 million in 2024 by a health insurance industry group working to ensure companies like UnitedHealth and Humana can continue overbilling Medicare. readsludge.com/2026/01/08/d...
💥 Sludge's reporting on the Big Tech ties of House Dems appointed to a new AI policy commission was cited by groups in a letter to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
"Gottheimer, a former Microsoft employee who Sludge reported owns millions worth of stock in the company...."
"Gottheimer, a former Microsoft employee who Sludge reported owns millions worth of stock in the company...."
Signers include @openmarkets.bsky.social @athenaforall.bsky.social @cplusc.bsky.social @biologicaldiversity.org @digitaldemoc.bsky.social and more.
Read the full letter here:
therevolvingdoorproject.org/wp-content/u...
Read the full letter here:
therevolvingdoorproject.org/wp-content/u...
therevolvingdoorproject.org
January 8, 2026 at 5:58 PM
💥 Sludge's reporting on the Big Tech ties of House Dems appointed to a new AI policy commission was cited by groups in a letter to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
"Gottheimer, a former Microsoft employee who Sludge reported owns millions worth of stock in the company...."
"Gottheimer, a former Microsoft employee who Sludge reported owns millions worth of stock in the company...."
The Department of War has approved Israel to use another $5.8 billion of American money to buy F-15s from Boeing.
January 5, 2026 at 4:37 PM
The Department of War has approved Israel to use another $5.8 billion of American money to buy F-15s from Boeing.
The Trump admin took actions last year that benefited Chevron, a $2.5 million inauguration donor and major GOP super PAC donor:
- Restored Chevron's ability to operate in Venezuela and export oil
- Promoted LNG exports through regulatory rollbacks
- Allowed John B. Hess to join Chevron’s board
- Restored Chevron's ability to operate in Venezuela and export oil
- Promoted LNG exports through regulatory rollbacks
- Allowed John B. Hess to join Chevron’s board
January 3, 2026 at 5:48 PM
The Trump admin took actions last year that benefited Chevron, a $2.5 million inauguration donor and major GOP super PAC donor:
- Restored Chevron's ability to operate in Venezuela and export oil
- Promoted LNG exports through regulatory rollbacks
- Allowed John B. Hess to join Chevron’s board
- Restored Chevron's ability to operate in Venezuela and export oil
- Promoted LNG exports through regulatory rollbacks
- Allowed John B. Hess to join Chevron’s board
Chevron, the only major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, is a top corporate donor to Republican super PACs. Over the past decade, the company has given:
- $16.8 million to SLF, backing Senate GOP
- $12.5 million to CLF, backing House GOP
- $2.5 million to Trump 2024 inauguration, etc.
- $16.8 million to SLF, backing Senate GOP
- $12.5 million to CLF, backing House GOP
- $2.5 million to Trump 2024 inauguration, etc.
Here’s What Big Oil Spent on This Year's Elections
A Sludge data analysis shows how much money the six largest American oil companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron spent on federal politics during 2023-24.
readsludge.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Chevron, the only major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, is a top corporate donor to Republican super PACs. Over the past decade, the company has given:
- $16.8 million to SLF, backing Senate GOP
- $12.5 million to CLF, backing House GOP
- $2.5 million to Trump 2024 inauguration, etc.
- $16.8 million to SLF, backing Senate GOP
- $12.5 million to CLF, backing House GOP
- $2.5 million to Trump 2024 inauguration, etc.
Chevron, the only major U.S. oil producer in Venezuela, has been a leading donor to the International Republican Institute, a nonprofit that supported the political opposition in the country. Former opposition leader Juan Guaidó pledged to protect oil giant's assets in 2019.
Guaidó Defends Chevron, Funder of U.S. Regime Change Organization
Chevron has been a loyal donor to the International Republican Institute, a nonprofit with ties to the U.S. Republican party that has worked for decades to strengthen the political opposition in Venez...
readsludge.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Chevron, the only major U.S. oil producer in Venezuela, has been a leading donor to the International Republican Institute, a nonprofit that supported the political opposition in the country. Former opposition leader Juan Guaidó pledged to protect oil giant's assets in 2019.
Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. received $25 million from OpenAI President Greg Brockman, according to a new disclosure.
His Sept. 12 donation came as the Trump admin moved to accelerate permitting for data centers and aimed to ban state AI regulations, in line with AI industry lobbying.
His Sept. 12 donation came as the Trump admin moved to accelerate permitting for data centers and aimed to ban state AI regulations, in line with AI industry lobbying.
January 2, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. received $25 million from OpenAI President Greg Brockman, according to a new disclosure.
His Sept. 12 donation came as the Trump admin moved to accelerate permitting for data centers and aimed to ban state AI regulations, in line with AI industry lobbying.
His Sept. 12 donation came as the Trump admin moved to accelerate permitting for data centers and aimed to ban state AI regulations, in line with AI industry lobbying.
House Dem leaders funneled millions to an AIPAC-funded group that backed pro-Israel candidates in primaries, according to newly-released tax documents.
House Dems Gave Millions in ‘Dark Money’ to AIPAC-Linked 314 Action
314 Action is one of the groups that AIPAC diverted its PAC money through in 2024.
readsludge.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:29 PM
House Dem leaders funneled millions to an AIPAC-funded group that backed pro-Israel candidates in primaries, according to newly-released tax documents.
House Dems gave millions in "dark money" to 314 Action, a group funded by AIPAC that spent supporting pro-Israel candidates in Democratic primaries in Oregon last year, according to a new tax return.
House Dems Gave Millions in ‘Dark Money’ to AIPAC-Linked 314 Action
314 Action is one of the groups that AIPAC diverted its PAC money through in 2024.
readsludge.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM
House Dems gave millions in "dark money" to 314 Action, a group funded by AIPAC that spent supporting pro-Israel candidates in Democratic primaries in Oregon last year, according to a new tax return.
Our 2-person newsroom published 180+ stories this year exposing the corrupt influence of money in politics. Here’s some of the work we’re most proud of.
First up, how the DCCC is raising millions from Palantir and Elon Musk-linked lobbyists. readsludge.com/2025/02/24/d...
First up, how the DCCC is raising millions from Palantir and Elon Musk-linked lobbyists. readsludge.com/2025/02/24/d...
DCCC Scores Massive Palantir and SpaceX Lobbyist Cash Haul
The House Democrats' campaign arm disclosed the money in a FEC filing accompanying its January contributions and disbursements.
readsludge.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Our 2-person newsroom published 180+ stories this year exposing the corrupt influence of money in politics. Here’s some of the work we’re most proud of.
First up, how the DCCC is raising millions from Palantir and Elon Musk-linked lobbyists. readsludge.com/2025/02/24/d...
First up, how the DCCC is raising millions from Palantir and Elon Musk-linked lobbyists. readsludge.com/2025/02/24/d...
These follow-the-money stories exist because of readers like you, who support this reporting uncovering billionaire and special interest influence in politics.
December 26, 2025 at 4:22 PM
These follow-the-money stories exist because of readers like you, who support this reporting uncovering billionaire and special interest influence in politics.
New: A nonprofit that Elon Musk formerly funded reported receiving a $75 million anonymous donation last year, according to its tax filing obtained by Sludge. The group, Building America's Future, ran a deceptive campaign to support Trump's election.
Musk-Linked ‘Dark Money’ Group Got a $75 Million Anonymous Donation
A new 990 obtained by Sludge reveals the large anonymous donation to Building America's Future, which in the past has been used to keep Elon Musk's political spending secret.
readsludge.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
New: A nonprofit that Elon Musk formerly funded reported receiving a $75 million anonymous donation last year, according to its tax filing obtained by Sludge. The group, Building America's Future, ran a deceptive campaign to support Trump's election.
New: Koch network groups have been on a relentless campaign to block the ACA subsides from being extended.
Koch Network Fuels Republican Push to Kill ACA Subsidies
As millions face higher premiums, Koch‑funded groups are pressuring Republicans to oppose Obamacare subsidy extensions.
readsludge.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM
New: Koch network groups have been on a relentless campaign to block the ACA subsides from being extended.
AI industry lobbyists rubbed shoulders with 2028 hopefuls at the Democratic Governors Association holiday meeting. Big Tech is pushing hard to ban states from regulating AI, like the 100 AI safety laws passed this year.
Dem Governors Gathered With AI Lobbyists Ahead of Trump Preemption EO
OpenAI and Meta were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
readsludge.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:37 PM
AI industry lobbyists rubbed shoulders with 2028 hopefuls at the Democratic Governors Association holiday meeting. Big Tech is pushing hard to ban states from regulating AI, like the 100 AI safety laws passed this year.
Hundreds of corporate lobbyists descended on the Democratic Governors Association annual meeting, according to an attendee list obtained by Sludge. They mingled with 2028 hopefuls on behalf of pharma, oil & gas, and the AI industry.
Dem Governors Gathered With AI Lobbyists Ahead of Trump Preemption EO
OpenAI and Meta were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
readsludge.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Hundreds of corporate lobbyists descended on the Democratic Governors Association annual meeting, according to an attendee list obtained by Sludge. They mingled with 2028 hopefuls on behalf of pharma, oil & gas, and the AI industry.
OpenAI, Meta, and Google were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
Dem Governors Gathered With AI Lobbyists Ahead of Trump Preemption EO
OpenAI and Meta were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
readsludge.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM
OpenAI, Meta, and Google were among the tech companies that sent lobbyists to the Democratic Governors Association's annual meeting, according to a list obtained by Sludge.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
The meeting came as Trump was finalizing an executive order designed to block states from enforcing their AI safety laws.
Trump will sign an executive order seeking to block states from regulating AI. To counter, House Dems announced an AI commission on "innovation" led by members with a slew of ties to Big Tech—and who co-sponsored AI industry-friendly bills with Republicans.
The Democrats’ New AI Panel Is Led by Big Tech Allies
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a co-chair of the AI commission, owns up to tens of millions of dollars worth of stock in tech giants pushing to block states from regulating AI.
readsludge.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Trump will sign an executive order seeking to block states from regulating AI. To counter, House Dems announced an AI commission on "innovation" led by members with a slew of ties to Big Tech—and who co-sponsored AI industry-friendly bills with Republicans.
House Democrats announced a new AI commission stocked with Big Tech allies.
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
The Democrats’ New AI Panel Is Led by Big Tech Allies
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a co-chair of the AI commission, owns up to tens of millions of dollars worth of stock in tech giants pushing to block states from regulating AI.
readsludge.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
House Democrats announced a new AI commission stocked with Big Tech allies.
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
Co-chairs include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, who owns millions of dollars' worth of stock in tech giants, and Silicon Valley's Zoe Lofgren, the second-highest recipient of campaign cash from an AI-heavy industry. Our story:
Last week, the EPA nearly doubled the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, according to ProPublica.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
Lobbyist-Led EPA Office Set to Add a New Chemical Industry Hire
Longtime cleaning products lobbyist Douglas Troutman is nominated to lead the EPA office that has worked to stop the MAHA Commission from restricting toxic chemicals and pesticides.
readsludge.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Last week, the EPA nearly doubled the amount of formaldehyde considered safe to inhale, according to ProPublica.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.
Two former chemical industry figures worked on the decision: Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former government affairs lead and lobbyist; and Nancy Beck, a longtime chemical lobby executive.