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OpenAI, Anthropic lobbying spend climbs 23% in second quarter as legacy tech retreats

WASHINGTON, July 21. OpenAI and Anthropic together spent $3.17 million on federal lobbying in the second quarter of 2026, up 23% from the first three months of the year, as outlays from legacy technology and defense companies declined.

By Hannah Voss2 min read
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Key takeaways

  • OpenAI and Anthropic together spent $3.17 million on U.S. federal lobbying in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Their combined Q2 lobbying spend rose 23% from the first quarter of the year.
  • The $3.17 million total covers the April-through-June 2026 period.
  • Legacy technology firms and defense-aligned contractors reduced their lobbying outlays over the same period.
  • The two AI developers expanded their Washington presence while the rest of the tech lobbying market pulled back.

WASHINGTON, July 21. OpenAI and Anthropic together spent $3.17 million on federal lobbying in the second quarter of 2026, up 23% from the first three months of the year, as outlays from legacy technology and defense companies declined.

AI developers move against the tide

The two artificial intelligence companies accelerated their Washington spending from Q1 to Q2 while established technology firms and defense contractors pulled their outlays lower. The $3.17 million combined total covers the April-through-June period.

The 23% gain placed the pair on a diverging trajectory from the rest of the technology lobbying market. Legacy incumbents and defense-aligned firms reduced their spending over the same period even as OpenAI and Anthropic pushed their combined outlay higher.

Lobbying dollars concentrate in AI

The figures show a reallocation within Washington's technology lobbying sector. Established firms and defense-aligned companies reduced their outlays while the two AI developers expanded their presence through the second quarter of 2026.

The $3.17 million combined Q2 figure represented a 23% increase over the first quarter.

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Frequently asked

How much did OpenAI and Anthropic spend on lobbying in Q2 2026?

The two companies spent a combined $3.17 million on federal lobbying during the April-through-June 2026 period.

How much did their lobbying spending increase?

Their combined lobbying outlay rose 23% from the first quarter to the second quarter of 2026.

What did legacy tech and defense companies do with their lobbying spending?

Established technology firms and defense-aligned contractors reduced their lobbying outlays over the same period.

What time period does the $3.17 million figure cover?

It covers the second quarter of 2026, spanning April through June.

Why is this spending trend notable?

OpenAI and Anthropic moved on a diverging trajectory from the rest of the technology lobbying market, increasing spending while incumbents pulled back.