LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Consider not donating under $100 to political candidates” by DanielFilan
May 16, 2025
Discover the surprising impact of small political donations on career opportunities, particularly for those in AI governance. The speaker highlights how even minimal contributions, like $3, can jeopardize your chances in future government roles. Learn about the public nature of donations and their potential repercussions amid changing political environments. This discussion reveals the fine line between supporting candidates and protecting your professional future.
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Public Records Impact Careers
- Political donation records are public in the US and can influence perceptions when seeking government roles.
- Donations aligning with one party might hinder future positions if the opposite party gains power.
Small Donations Harm Careers
- Small political donations under $10 in the US can unintentionally harm career prospects in government policy roles.
- This happens because donation records are public and can signal political biases unfavorable under future administrations.
Avoid Small Donations Under $100
- Consider avoiding political donations under $100 to prevent career damage from public records.
- If unwilling to donate more than $100, be aware that the career cost may outweigh the donation's political impact.