OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, and Apple: Record Quarterly Lobbying

Key Takeaways

1OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia reached record lobbying expenditures between July and September

2Apple surpassed $3 million for the first time in a quarter

3Lobbying priorities include cybersecurity, 6G networks, child safety, and competition

4The amounts remain lower than those of Google, but indicate an intensification of efforts

Why it matters : These levels of spending reflect the growing involvement of AI and tech companies in shaping U.S. public policy as elections approach.

Between July and September, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia recorded their most expensive lobbying quarters, while Apple reached an unprecedented level. These amounts are accompanied by targeted priorities, ranging from cybersecurity to 6G networks, in a political climate energized by the White House and the approach of the midterm elections.

Historic Highs for OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, and Apple

OpenAI had never exceeded $1 million in a quarter before this year and had not crossed $500,000 before the end of 2024, according to disclosures. Last year, Anthropic's quarterly peak was just above $1 million, and this quarter marks the first time Nvidia has surpassed $2 million. Specifically, between July and September, Nvidia spent $2.2 million, Anthropic $2.1 million, and OpenAI $1.5 million. Apple also set a record, spending $3.1 million, marking its first quarter beyond $3 million.

What Companies Brought Before Washington

Anthropic provided details on the texts and themes monitored in the third quarter, including measures concerning AI in the Kids Online Safety Act, export control provisions in the AI Overwatch Act, an executive order signed by Donald Trump renaming AI as "Super Intelligence," and the Ratepayer Protection Act, described as aimed at limiting energy expenditures for data centers. OpenAI, which communicates at a general level, took a stance on copyright issues, cybersecurity audits for advanced models, AI safety oversight mechanisms, and antitrust safeguards for information exchange; this roadmap seems to echo the aftermath of the incident involving Hugging Face. Nvidia intensified its discussions with Congress, various federal agencies, and White House officials regarding 6G networks, "responsible AI design," competition, quantum computing, and export regulation. Apple, for its part, addressed proposed legislation requiring age verification on app platforms while discussing issues related to intellectual property, tariffs, online minor protection, competition, and domestic semiconductor production.

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A Federal Sequence Driven by the White House and Midterms

At the end of September, many tech CEOs lunched at the White House with Donald Trump, agreeing to an AI security pact described as "morally binding." Disclosures indicate increased behind-the-scenes exchanges just before Trump appointed an AI czar and a task force. While Democrats expected to regain at least a portion of Congress after the midterms, AI companies might find it more necessary to engage with lawmakers favoring a tough stance on the industry. The quarter thus appears as a preparatory phase for the elections, and AI lobbying work is likely to grow, regardless of the upcoming political balances, with data centers and AI security in the background.

Cumulative Amounts and Sector Benchmarks

Between July and September, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Nvidia collectively spent nearly $6 million on cybersecurity, child protection, and other topics. For reference, Microsoft has allocated at least $2 million per quarter to lobbying since 2021, while Google regularly exceeds $3 million, including this quarter.