New Pro-AI Group Backed by Trump Allies Plans $100M Midterm Spending Push

Innovation Council Action aims to support candidates favoring AI deregulation and counter stricter rules.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A vibrant, fractured painting of a computer chip or circuit board in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of bright, contrasting colors, conceptually representing the high-stakes political fight over AI regulation and development.As the political battle over AI regulation intensifies, deep-pocketed groups are pouring millions into the 2026 midterm elections to shape the future of the technology.Washington Today

A new pro-AI political group called Innovation Council Action is planning to spend over $100 million in the 2026 midterm elections to support candidates who favor deregulation of artificial intelligence and counter those pushing for stricter AI rules. The group is closely aligned with former President Donald Trump's agenda and is championed by tech investor and White House AI adviser David Sacks.

Why it matters

The emergence of this well-funded pro-AI group highlights how AI is quickly becoming a central political battleground, with deep-pocketed organizations preparing to reward allies and pressure critics ahead of the elections. This could have significant implications for the future of AI regulation and development in the United States.

The details

Innovation Council Action plans to use its $100 million war chest to support candidates who align with former President Trump's pro-AI agenda, which calls for a single federal regulatory framework instead of a patchwork of state laws, and aims to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure and strengthen U.S. competitiveness against China. The group has also developed a scorecard to rank lawmakers based on their alignment with Trump's AI policies, which will guide its political spending.

  • Innovation Council Action has been quietly building its presence in Washington since late last year, opening a D.C. office and raising funds.
  • The group plans to ramp up its political spending ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The players

Innovation Council Action

A new pro-AI political group that plans to spend over $100 million in the 2026 midterm elections to support candidates who favor deregulation of artificial intelligence and counter those pushing for stricter AI rules.

David Sacks

A tech investor and former White House AI adviser who is championing Innovation Council Action.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose pro-AI agenda and policy framework the Innovation Council Action group is closely aligned with.

Taylor Budowich

The founder of Innovation Council Action.

Leading the Future

Another pro-industry group that has reported raising $50 million from tech figures including Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale and Marc Andreessen.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump has made it clear, America will win the AI race against China, period. He built the framework, he's leading from the front, and this organization exists to make sure he doesn't fight that battle alone.”

— Taylor Budowich, Founder, Innovation Council Action

“The cavalry is coming to back up the policymakers who stand with the president and will hold accountable the ones who don't.”

— Taylor Budowich, Founder, Innovation Council Action

What’s next

Innovation Council Action plans to ramp up its political spending and use its scorecard to guide its support for pro-AI candidates in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

The emergence of well-funded pro-AI groups like Innovation Council Action highlights the growing political battle over the future of artificial intelligence in the United States. This could have significant implications for the regulation and development of AI technology, as these groups seek to reward allies and pressure critics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.