Scoop: New pro-AI group preps $100M midterm blitz to boost Trump's agenda
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A new pro-AI political operation is jumping into this year's midterms with a plan to spend more than $100 million, the latest push by a big-money group to promote a deregulation agenda.
- The group, dubbed Innovation Council Action, has the blessing of tech mogul and Trump AI adviser David Sacks. It's distinct from other pro-industry groups in that it's focused on boosting President Trump's priorities.
Why it matters: The AI lobby is on course to be a colossal player in the 2026 elections — bankrolling allies who advocate for deregulation and punishing critics who support tighter rules.
Zoom out: Trump has advocated for a national AI regulatory standard — as opposed to state-by-state laws — and for expedited creation of AI infrastructure such as data centers.
- He has pushed to make the U.S. the dominant player in AI innovation ahead of China.
The new group is led by Taylor Budowich, a former Trump White House deputy chief of staff. Budowich also formerly led the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC and Securing American Greatness political outfits. He was a top official on Trump's 2024 campaign.
- Because the organization is a nonprofit group, it's not required to disclose its donors — a "dark money" organization, in campaign parlance.
The group is being praised by Sacks, a major Trumpworld figure who was the White House's AI czar during the first year of Trump's current term. Sacks remains influential in guiding the administration's tech policy.
- "Innovation Council will play a critical role in advancing the innovation agenda championed by President Trump and this administration," Sacks told Axios in a statement. "We welcome its support at this important juncture."
Zoom in: Other AI-focused political groups include Leading the Future, which has disclosed raising $50 million.
- That group's donor list includes tech executives Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale and Marc Andreessen.
- Meta has launched a pro-AI super PAC effort that is expected to spend around $65 million for the midterms, with plans to focus on state-level races.
Behind the scenes: Innovation Council Action has opened a D.C. office and quietly has been raising money since late last year.
- The group compiled a scorecard assessing how supportive lawmakers are of Trump's AI agenda, which will be used to determine who the group supports or opposes.
