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565. Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy?

Freakonomics Radio

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The Influence and Power of Private Equity Firms in Government

Private equity firms have a polarizing reputation: for some, they are masters of the universe, while for others, they are cartoon villains. However, changing the people in charge won't solve the underlying issues. The laws surrounding this business model incentivize disastrous outcomes. These firms have significant political influence, having donated $900 million to federal candidates since 1990. Moreover, they have managed to bring top government officials into their industry, including secretaries of state, treasury, defense, a CIA director, generals, and former SEC chairs.

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