Fight Pay to Play Corruption

Money and power sometimes speak louder than the law – but they shouldn’t. When they determine how the law applies, corruption thrives. Powerful public and business leaders manipulate the system with impunity. Political connections triumph over fair competition, disadvantaging small business owners who don’t have the same resources big businesses do. Small business owners like us are harmed when government leaders play favorites.  

Predictable rules and fair competition benefit everyone. Economies with higher levels of corruption experience weaker economic growth and greater market volatility. When we stand up for the rule of law, we protect our ability to successfully do business.

Here’s what we’re up against

  • Fifty-five corporations with close ties to the administration have had federal enforcement actions and investigations against them halted or dismissed. These corporations include donors to President Trump’s inauguration fund and the White House ballroom.

  • While tariffs cause havoc for small businesses, politically connected firms appear to have secured exemptions through a process that remains unclear.

Federal reserve
Independence

In January 2026, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the Justice Department (DOJ) is investigating him over statements he made to Congress about the Federal Reserve’s building renovation. This investigation isn’t about the buildings. It is an intimidation effort to make interest rate decisions based on what is best for the White House rather than what is best for the economy.

Markets depend on independent institutions and leaders that make decisions based on economic evidence, not politics. An independent Federal Reserve keeps markets stable and borrowing costs predictable. We know that without stable markets and predictable borrowing costs, small business owners can’t invest in or grow their businesses.

Resources

watch: The risks that crony capitalism poses to our democracy

Integrity Matters and our partners at Principles First, the Horizons Project, and the Center for Political Accountability hosted a webinar on the risks that crony capitalism poses to our democracy. Experts covered how crony capitalism distorts markets, undermines fair competition, erodes public trust in democratic institutions, and what can be done to counter it.

  • Thomas Berry, Director of Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute

  • Jeff Smulyan, CEO, Emmis Communications

  • Robert Maguire, Vice President for Research and Data, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)

  • Elizabeth Doty, CEO, Third Side Strategies

  • Richard Eidlin, Horizons Project

Speakers