Anthropic Pledges $20 Million to US Political Group Backing AI Regulation
Dario Amodei, co-founder and chief executive officer of Anthropic, made headlines during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 20 January 2026, as his company announced a significant move into the political arena. Anthropic has committed to spending $20 million to support US political candidates who advocate for regulating the artificial intelligence industry, according to a company statement released on Thursday.
This substantial donation places Anthropic in direct opposition to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which has consistently pushed for less stringent AI regulations. The firm is directing its funds to Public First Action, a political group that actively opposes federal efforts to suppress state-level AI regulations, such as a December executive order issued by former President Donald Trump.
Political Backing and Industry Divisions
One of the key candidates supported by Public First Action is Republican Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor in Tennessee and has publicly opposed congressional attempts to block states from enacting their own AI laws. In its statement, Anthropic emphasized, "The companies building AI have a responsibility to help ensure the technology serves the public good, not just their own interests."
The AI industry is set to become a major financial player in the upcoming US midterm elections, with leaders from various firms seeking to shape the regulatory landscape. Numerous states have already passed or are considering legislation to govern the rapidly evolving technology, highlighting the urgency of these political contributions.
Rival Groups and Financial Clout
Public First Action was launched late last year by two former members of Congress to counter another group, Leading the Future, which generally advocates against strict AI regulations. Leading the Future is backed by prominent AI industry figures, including OpenAI's president, Greg Brockman, and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, whose firm, A16Z, is an investor in OpenAI.
Since its founding in August 2025, Leading the Future has raised an impressive $125 million, according to a spokesperson for the organization. This financial muscle underscores the high stakes involved in the debate over AI governance, as companies vie for influence in a crowded and competitive market.
The move by Anthropic reflects a broader trend where AI startups are increasingly turning to political stunts and substantial donations to gain attention and sway policy. As the industry continues to expand, these financial contributions are likely to play a pivotal role in determining the future of AI regulation in the United States and beyond.
