Ballard Partners entered the crowded lobbying arena in 2017, and as recently as last year it was ranked outside the top 15 firms in terms of lobbying revenue. But thanks to its close ties to the Trump administration, the firm rocketed to the top of the list in the second quarter of 2025.

Ballard’s income mushroomed to $20 million during April, May and June, an increase of $6.1 million over the previous period. While Brownstein, Hyatt — the top lobbying firm every year from 2021 to 2024 — remains the overall leader for the year, it saw an increase of just $1.7 million in Q2 to $18.5 million. If Ballard maintains a lead in each of the next two quarters, it would not only dethrone the reigning champ — it could break the record for annual earnings ($67.8 million, set last by Brownstein, Hyatt).

The firm’s ballooning revenue can be attributed to its success in representing foreign governments — and, perhaps more importantly, its close ties to President Donald Trump, as they have paced each other’s advancements.

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, a staunch supporter of Republicans including President Donald Trump, launched a federal political action committee to significant fanfare in October 2024, with news organizations from CNN to Fox News to the Associated Press covering its creation.

At the time, Butker endorsed Trump and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and said his Upright PAC would be “a way to promote and encourage Christian voters to vote.” 

Upright PAC’s website says the United States is “seeing our values under attack every day … in our schools, in the media, and even from our own government” and that the PAC is “working to mobilize Christians across this country to make sure we protect these values at the ballot box.”

But new federal records indicate that Upright PAC’s effort has fallen a few yards short of its target, reports Dave Levinthal.

The OpenSecrets' 2024 Annual Report is now available. This report highlights the significant strides we made last year in promoting transparency in U.S. politics and empowering citizens with vital information, while experiencing record engagement.

In this report, you'll discover: 

Trump’s political operation has stockpiled a massive amount of cash ahead of the midterms (Politico)

Candidates decry dark money — and reap its benefits (Axios)

TikTok Billionaire Donates Millions to Trump as He Repeatedly Delays Ban (Sludge)

Higher Ed Lobbying Spending Rises (Inside Higher Ed)

US farmers raise lobbying spending after Trump immigration crackdown (Financial Times)

Farming groups spent almost $29mn on government lobbying in the six months to June, up from $23mn in the same period last year, according to US Senate lobbying disclosures collated by non-profit research group OpenSecrets.

Why Drug Prices for Some Big Medicines Will Remain High for a Longer Time (The Wall Street Journal)

The drug industry had long been pushing to include the provisions in the new law that would affect those negotiations. Dozens of companies, including Merck and AstraZeneca, as well as industry groups such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, lobbied lawmakers on the provisions in the first half of the year, according to data from OpenSecrets.org, a nonprofit that tracks lobbying and campaign finance. 

Karoline Leavitt's 2022 Congressional Campaign Is Still More than $300K in Debt After Spending Illegal Donations (People)

Per OpenSecrets, Leavitt's campaign debt stems from illegal donations and contributions, in that they exceeded federal limits on monetary gifts to political campaigns, from individuals, political figures and political committees. As illegal contributions, the funds should have been returned — but the outlet reported that she and her campaign already spent the money.

Cryptocurrency firm among dark money donors in race for Pittsburgh mayor (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“People figured out how to work the system. Over time, they’ve learned how to perfect it, and it’s become basically ingrained as standard procedure.” said Brendan Glavin, director of insights at OpenSecrets, which monitors political spending. “We see it in congressional races. We see it in the presidential race. And now you’re seeing it more at the local level.”

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the OpenSecrets Merch Store! Now, you can support our mission while looking good doing it. Every purchase helps us provide comprehensive and reliable data, analysis and tools for policymakers, storytellers and citizens. 

Our collection — initially featuring a hoodie, crewneck, t-shirt and hat — is designed to spread awareness and make a difference. Whether you're treating yourself or finding the perfect gift, every item you buy helps fuel our cause. And every item in our store was manufactured by a certified ethical and “sweat-free” company.

Join us in wearing your support —  transparency has never been more comfortable!