K Street AI Spending Boom Fueled by Startups and Big Tech

Spending on lobbying related to artificial intelligence is surging in Washington, fueled by Big Tech and a growing number of smaller startups seeking a larger voice in the debate.

K Street generated more than $53 million in AI-related lobbying revenues in the first quarter of 2026, a 36% jump from the same period last year. Microsoft Corp., Meta Platforms, Inc., OpenAI, and Anthropic PBC were among the biggest spenders, but more than 100 newcomers hired lobbyists for the first time as battles over data centers, copyright, and AI safety heat up on Capitol Hill and in the ...