America’s richest donors are shifting their focus from politicians to influencing the Supreme Court, and it’s paying off. Through a two-stage process, billionaires donate to nonprofits, which then fund lawyers, file briefs, and ultimately impact court decisions. This approach has led to significant victories on the Supreme Court docket, including overturning long-standing precedents and granting immunity to powerful figures like former President Donald Trump. Here’s a look at some of the biggest winners and losers among billionaire donors this year.
Among the winners is Charles Koch, whose right-wing fundraising network has successfully challenged the “administrative state” by overturning a 40-year-old precedent. Donald Trump also emerged victorious in two Supreme Court cases thanks to about $18 million spent on lawyers funded by his campaign and leadership PAC. Irwin Jacobs and his wife Joan funded the ACLU with $20 million, resulting in a win for the National Rifle Association in a case against a New York regulator. Even tech billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Cuban joined other investors in urging the court to curtail the SEC’s power in a case involving securities fraud.
On the other hand, some billionaire donors faced losses this year. Hobby Lobby founder David Green, known for supporting Christian causes, donated to groups backing abortion challenges that were ultimately thrown out by the Supreme Court. The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, saw their bankruptcy settlement rejected by the court, raising questions about their role in the opioid crisis and the potential cost of reaching a settlement in the future. Overall, the influence of big money donors on the Supreme Court is undeniable, with some donors operating through “dark money” groups to conceal their contributions and sway important cases.
The impact of billionaire donors on the Supreme Court goes beyond individual cases, as it could potentially reshape the legal landscape in the long term. Leonard Leo, a right-wing activist, has used his fundraising network to install justices and influence key cases, particularly those aimed at dismantling federal bureaucracy. While some donors openly support causes like challenging abortion rights or curbing government power, others prefer to remain anonymous and funnel their donations through secretive organizations. This opacity raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
Despite the controversies surrounding billionaire influence on the Supreme Court, there is no denying the significant role they play in shaping legal outcomes. From challenging federal agency power to protecting the interests of powerful individuals, these wealthy donors have the resources and influence to sway court decisions in their favor. As the battle for control over the judiciary continues, the impact of big money on the highest court in the land is likely to remain a hotly debated issue for years to come.
