Regulatory Environment - Politicized regulation leads businesses to prioritize currying favor with the president over demonstrating public benefit [1] Business Strategy - Companies may focus on influencing political figures instead of justifying deals based on public interest [1]

US Political System & Corporate Influence - Microsoft president's memo reveals that corporate donations, though not necessarily large, provide access and influence within the US political process through events and retreats [1][2][3] - The US political system is heavily influenced by money, potentially more so than other democracies, with transactional relationships becoming increasingly overt [5] - Corporations openly and legally participate in this system by contributing to political action committees (PACs) and attending fundraising events [6] - While these contributions provide access, they don't necessarily guarantee specific decisions, but rather buy an "entry ticket" into the political process [6][7] Regulation & Political Action - The US political system is still capable of regulating industries, despite corporate contributions and lobbying efforts [9][10] - Lack of consensus on issues often stems from fundamental differences between political parties, rather than solely from corporate influence [20] - There is a surprising lack of federal legislation to protect children and teens online, leading states like California to take independent action [21] Hypocrisy & Public Perception - Politicians may accept corporate money and then publicly criticize tech companies, which some view as hypocritical [12] - The amount of money involved in American democracy is considered extraordinary compared to other democracies [13] - The system is open and not illicit, but its transactional nature can be surprising to the average person [11][10]

With America’s wealthiest preoccupied with security, the proposal to install gates that would separate Miami Beach's North Bay from the city’s public street grid has become a flashpoint for debates about public access, privilege and political influence https://t.co/vTIbJezqiz ...

I want to bring in NBC News Chief Justice and National Affairs correspondent Kelly O'Donnell because Kelly, as we know, there's a second part to this, right. Walk our viewers through what's happened in the Eastern District of Virginia over the past couple of weeks and why that's so important to this case. Well, Tom, there has been turmoil.There has been disagreement and there has been the hand of the White House with the president choosing one of his own former personal attorneys, Lindseay Halligan, a woman ...

Political Landscape - Prabowo Subianto aims to curb the political influence of Indonesia's billionaires [1]

Interest Rate & Political Influence - Greater political influence over the Fed is expected to raise interest rates [1] - The increased interest rates are attributed to the heightened risk of poor decision-making [1] Potential Risks - The situation presents an irony, considering Donald Trump's desires [1]

Elon on his end is not letting up. Does he have at this point in time the ability to change any votes on the capital. You know, I I really don't think he does.Uh, you know, I I think Elon thinks that that money and tweets are the most powerful form of political currency. Uh but anyone with any level of sophistication in US politics knows that at least when it comes to Republican politics, it's Trump's endorsement that matters. That's 98% of the ball game.Elon's money might be the other 2%. But as far as Elo ...