The swamp appears to be doing just fine.
Second-quarter lobbying disclosures were due Monday at midnight, offering a window into the money flowing to influence federal policy and policymakers. Businesses, universities and other institutions turned to K Street to help them navigate the first six months of President Donald Trump’s term: There were 3,482 lobbying registrations filed from the inauguration on Jan. 20 to June 30, a 72.4% increase from 2,020 registrations filed during the same period in 2024.
Several firms with ties to the Trump administration posted eye-watering federal lobbying revenue, and bipartisan legal and lobbying giants have largely weathered the shock of the transition. Big spenders scored big wins, including a Japanese steelmaker and the cryptocurrency industry.