Record lobbying spending by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia in the US reflects AI regulatory dispute

In the third quarter of 2026, the three largest AI companies spent unprecedented amounts on lobbying in the United States, according to an analysis by The Verge based on federal filings. The data covers July, August, and September, totaling $5.8 million.

OpenAI led the spending with $1.5 million, followed by Nvidia with $2.2 million, and Anthropic with $2.1 million. These figures highlight a concerted effort by the companies to influence public policy in their sector.

Key issues on the agenda

Anthropic addressed topics such as online child protection, export regulations, and data center energy costs. OpenAI focused on cybersecurity, AI model oversight, and copyright. Nvidia discussed competition policy, quantum computing, and export controls.

These issues involve both physical infrastructure and government decisions that directly impact the companies’ operations. For instance, OpenAI previously proposed regulatory relief in exchange for collaboration with the US government in an initiative launched in March 2025.

What the spending reveals

The reported spending indicates significant investment in political engagement, but does not automatically measure the success of these efforts. An expense does not prove that a proposal was approved or that a company received favorable treatment.

Similarly, listing a topic on a lobbying agenda does not indicate whether a company supports or opposes specific aspects of a proposal. To assess positions, it is necessary to analyze public statements and formal discussion documents.

Frequently asked questions

• What period was analyzed? The third quarter of 2026, from July to September.
• Where do the figures come from? From federal filings analyzed by The Verge.
• Does spending more guarantee influence over legislation? The reported amount alone does not prove that a public decision has been changed.