OpenAI and Anthropic have now surpassed Nvidia in lobbying efforts in Washington.

      The AI sector is enhancing its influence. According to a report by CNBC, OpenAI and Anthropic achieved record levels of federal lobbying in the second quarter of 2026. Collectively, they invested $3.17 million, marking a 23% increase from the first quarter.

      Startups outspending industry giants

      The individual amounts are particularly noteworthy. Anthropic allocated $1.97 million, reflecting a 26% rise over three months, surpassing Nvidia's spending, and coming close to Oracle’s $2 million. OpenAI invested $1.2 million, a nearly 18% increase, which brought it within $50,000 of Nvidia, which spent $1.25 million. Compared to a year earlier, Anthropic's expenditures have more than doubled, and OpenAI's nearly so. Both companies informed Congress that their lobbying efforts focused on cybersecurity, copyright, cloud computing, and defense procurement. The timing indicates their intention to secure a favorable position in Washington ahead of the November midterms, as they approach major IPOs.

      Big Tech remains steady

      Established tech companies are not scrambling to keep pace. Five of the "Magnificent Seven" along with Nvidia and Tesla spent a total of $21.25 million in the quarter, showing little change from the preceding three months. Meta topped the list at $5.99 million, although this represented a 15% decrease. Amazon remained constant at approximately $4.36 million. Google increased spending by 25% to $3.57 million, while Microsoft rose by 13% to $2.69 million. Their shared lobbying interests include trade, China, taxation, and export controls.

      Defense spending declines

      The contrast with defense spending is even more pronounced. The eight largest US defense contractors reduced their total expenditures by 3.3% to $19.68 million. Lockheed Martin led with $4.18 million, followed by RTX and General Dynamics. L3Harris saw the most significant decrease, dropping nearly 45%, while Boeing was an exception, increasing its spending by 13% to $2.77 million.

      Gaining a voice

      Although the dollar amounts still favor established firms, with Meta alone outspending both AI companies combined, the trends are more telling than the totals. OpenAI and Anthropic are investing heavily in policy advocacy as they navigate copyright lawsuits, export controls, and ongoing debates about AI regulation. This aligns with OpenAI's recent increase in policy staff and reflects broader tensions regarding China and export control affecting the industry. The sector aiming to transform the economy is learning to engage with capital effectively.