For over two decades, the military industry has consistently spent more than $100 million per year lobbying policymakers to influence policies and spending decisions that support its financial interests. In addition to these lobbying expenditures, the industry contributes tens of millions of dollars to political candidates and committees each election cycle. The sheer scale of this spending buys significant political influence, and the data suggests that this approach is paying off.

Overview of Military Industry Influence

According to OpenSecrets.org, a nonprofit organization tracking money in politics, the military industry spent over $139 million on lobbying in 2023—equivalent to roughly $381,260 per day. This investment funded 904 lobbyists. Over the past decade, the industry has spent nearly $1.3 billion lobbying in support of its business interests.