The U.S. has long had a quiet, but formidable, tradition of politicians rewarding big donors with cushy jobs and lucrative deals. While safeguards exist, the system of political spoils has only grown, leaving loopholes and vulnerabilities in our political culture. In 2025, the “pay-to-play” model is under more scrutiny than ever—fueled in part by controversies surrounding Elon Musk and the blurred lines between business and government. From sole-source contracts to regulatory crackdowns that pick winners and losers, these backroom dealings don’t just tilt the playing field—they distort markets, undermine fair competition, and erode public trust in democracy.

This webinar will pull back the curtain on crony capitalism here in the US and abroad, tracing its deep roots in our country’s history, to the current vulnerabilities that exist in and efforts to fight it.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Corporate Influence – Gain a deeper historical perspective on how corporate favoritism has shaped democracy, and how this escalating political-financial cycle threatens economic stability and free markets.
• Lessons from Global Examples – Learn how crony capitalism has undermined democracies abroad, drawing lessons from countries like Hungary and Turkey, where corporate favoritism has weakened democratic institutions.
• Actionable Solutions – Explore actionable strategies for ethical business engagement, the role of congressional oversight, and potential legal reforms to help break the cycle before it’s too late.

Speakers:

• Tommy Berry, Director of Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute
• Richard Painter, Professor & former Chief Ethics Lawyer for President George W. Bush‍
• Sarah Repucci, former Economic Group & Freedom House