Big Tech Is Spending Millions to Control AI...And Politics

Big Tech is spending millions to shape the future of AI—but what are they trying to control, and why now?

Former Congressman and Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson joins us to break down the growing fight over AI regulation, including the role of companies like Meta, the influence of Mark Zuckerberg, and the stakes for jobs, energy costs, and national security. As tech giants invest heavily to influence policy ahead of the 2026 elections, the battle over artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a battle over political power.

Then: a deep dive into money and influence in Washington.

ProPublica reporter Corey Johnson joins us to discuss new reporting on Trump administration financial disclosures, revealing how industry ties, private equity, and political power intersect behind the scenes. What do more than 3,200 disclosure records tell us about corruption, conflicts of interest, and the revolving door between government and business?

Two conversations. One theme: who controls AI, who controls Washington—and who pays the price.

00:00 Big Money Meets AI01:10 AI Impacts Everywhere02:15 Meet Brad Carson03:03 The 200 Million War Chest03:46 Mad Max Sandbox Plan05:02 Federalism Versus Preemption07:24 Industry Split On Rules09:17 States Push Back10:59 Liability And Section 23015:01 Preemption Disaster Lessons16:45 Host AI Brain Filibuster21:30 Why This Fight Matters23:55 AI And Military Risks25:56 How To Win And Help28:41 Money Thread in Politics32:31 Prediction Markets War Profits36:54 ProPublica Database Stakes41:04 Guest Joins Corey Johnson43:02 Scale of Conflicts Guardrails46:37 Todd Blanche Crypto Case53:32 Who Pulls the Strings55:47 Where to Watch Next59:26 How to Use the Database01:00:02 Wrap Up and Call to Action