Pfizer Donations and Political Contributions

Overview

• Pfizer has donated significant funds to both Republican and Democratic political campaigns through affiliates, not directly.
• Donations are made legally through PACs (Political Action Committees), employees, and other entities.

Specific Contributions

• Republican Contributions:
  • National Republican Senatorial Committee: $95,920
  • National Republican Congressional Committee: $72,588
  • Former President Donald Trump: $21,821
• Democratic Contributions:
  • Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: $92,192
  • Kamala Harris presidential campaign: $77,378
  • Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association: $75,000

Lobbying and Influence

• Campaign contributions are a common lobbying tool.
• Lobbying involves advocacy to influence lawmakers' decisions.
• Pharmaceutical lobbying, including by Pfizer, is a major force, having spent over $5.8 billion from 1998 to 2023.

Pharmaceutical Lobbying in 2024

• Pharmaceutical lobbying expenditures increased in 2024.
• PhRMA spent $9.6 million in Q1 2024, up from $7.99 million in Q1 2023.

Controversies and Reactions

• The Biden-Harris administration mandated Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccinations in 2021.
• Trump's surprise at Pfizer donations despite previous tensions.
  • Trump criticized the FDA for pausing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, implying political bias.

Related Issues

• Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will face Congress over COVID nursing home death handling.
• A lawsuit involving the FDA and ivermectin for COVID treatment was settled, with FDA admitting wrongdoing.

Additional Notes

• The information about specific donations and affiliations was sourced from Open Secrets and Politico.
• The pharmaceutical industry's influence is a topic of public and political interest, especially post-pandemic.