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PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

ISSUE AREA

The corrupting role of moneyed interests on the public realm has been a constant source of concern in modern democracies. In the United States, the unusually visible role of corporate money in election cycles and lobbying battles has contributed to public discontent with democracy. Even many otherwise apolitical Americans recognize that corporate actors' ability to invest millions in election and lobbying outcomes comes at the direct expense of their own ability to shape policies that impact them.

Public accountability measures to safeguard Americans from corporate capture must encompass more than mere transparency rules. Durable reforms must include explicit limits on corporate spending on electoral campaigns and lobbying fights in both Capitol Hill and statehouses. Beyond this, reforms must take aim at subtler, but equally significant channels of influence, such as revolving-door hiring practices that undermine the integrity of federal agencies tasked with corporate oversight.

Regulatory Capture

26 OCTOBER 2026

Rahm Emanuel’s ‘LNG diplomacy’ underscores industry-friendly record on foreign policy

Emanuel's recent adoption of populist rhetoric is undermined by pro-corporate foreign policy record

16 OCTOBER 2026

FTC’s selective sports betting probe underscores fake populism of Trump’s regulators

A reported FTC probe on sports gambling that ignores prediction market platforms makes a mockery of the process

29 SEPTEMBER 2026

Hegseth reshuffle highlights Pentagon policy board's role as corporate influence pipeline

Appointment of pro-Trump tech and defense officials to the Defense Policy Board (DPB) highlights body's role as a vehicle for industry influence

24 SEPTEMBER 2026

Wes Moore just won’t answer where he stands on Lina Khan

Moore has sided with Lina Khan’s corporate antagonists in the past. He’s been asked – repeatedly – but still will not explain whether he stands by it.

10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Jared Polis’s alignment with AI industry goals puts him at odds with majority of his party

Governor of Colorado’s weakening of state AI rules follows a broader record of deferring to industry goals, even as his party shifts in favor of regulation

8 AUGUST 2026

American Airlines' refund rollback reflects anti-consumer shift amid DOT policy retreat

AA's retreat to the federal minimum on refunds illustrates broader erosion of passenger protections under a DOT led by a former airline lobbyist

2 JULY 2026

Gina Raimondo's 'RAISE US' initiative reflects long history of tech-sector alignment

The Raimondo-led AI workforce initiative follows a tenure as Secretary of Commerce in close alignment with tech sector interests

23 JUNE 2026

Political salience of media consolidation rises amid press-freedom, labor market concerns

Concerns over media mergers rise in prominence amid concerns over control of information and impact on workers in creative fields

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