A newly launched political advocacy group backed by allies of former President Donald Trump announced plans to spend more than $100 million during the 2026 midterm elections to support candidates who favor deregulated artificial intelligence (AI) policies. The group, Innovation Council Action, aims to influence U.S. tech policy by promoting Trump’s agenda of AI dominance and opposing stricter regulatory measures.
Innovation Council Action is led by tech investor and White House AI adviser David Sacks. The organization is closely aligned with Trump’s vision of establishing a unified federal regulatory framework for AI, accelerating infrastructure such as data centers, and increasing U.S. competitiveness against China in AI technologies.
Taylor Budowich, founder of Innovation Council, emphasized that the group will back policymakers who align with Trump’s AI goals and hold accountable those who do not. Trump has publicly framed AI as a critical component of American economic and national security, calling for the U.S. to win the AI race against global rivals.
Growing Political Influence of AI
Innovation Council Action joins several other well-funded pro-AI organizations intensifying political spending ahead of the 2026 midterms. For example, Leading the Future has raised $50 million backing candidates favorable to industry interests, while Meta supports a separate super PAC allocating approximately $65 million towards state-level races with a technology focus.
Since late 2025, Innovation Council Action has quietly established a presence in Washington, D.C., including opening an office and raising funds. The group has also developed a scorecard ranking lawmakers based on their adherence to Trump’s AI policies, which is expected to guide its substantial political investments in the upcoming election cycle.
Why it matters
The rise of AI as a political battleground reflects its growing significance for the U.S. economy, national security, and global competitiveness. With substantial financial resources targeting midterm races, groups like Innovation Council Action could shape legislative and regulatory approaches to AI for years to come. The campaign also highlights the deepening polarization in tech policy, particularly regarding the balance between innovation support and regulatory oversight.
Background
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a key policy issue for the Trump administration and its allies, who prioritize a deregulated environment and rapid technological advancement to challenge China’s AI ambitions. Previously, Trump named David Sacks co-chair of his Technology Advisory Council to expand focus on AI and cryptocurrency, signaling the importance of these sectors within the broader economic agenda.
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