Taylor Lorenz’s Power User The Shocking Truth About Dark Money and Influencers
8 snips
Sep 3, 2025 Anna Massoglia, a distinguished journalist and the Director of Investigations at the Sunlight Research Center, unveils the shady world of dark money in politics. They discuss how undisclosed funds shape elections and influence digital content, especially through high-profile Democratic influencers receiving hidden financial backing. The conversation dives into the implications of dark money in both domestic politics and foreign propaganda. Massoglia emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and ethical practices in an era where influencers may unknowingly serve hidden agendas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
What Dark Money Actually Means
- Dark money is defined as undisclosed funds used to influence political outcomes and elections.
- Super PACs can mask donor identities by receiving money from non-disclosing 501(c)(4) groups.
Big Players And Fiscal Sponsorship
- Party-aligned dark money groups like Majority Forward and One Nation account for hundreds of millions in spending.
- Fiscal sponsorship and umbrella structures increase opacity by hiding which project truly runs political activity.
Why Voters Should Care
- Voters consume messaging without knowing who funds it, which skews their ability to evaluate bias.
- Hidden funders can shape opinions that influence ballot decisions without voters' awareness.