15 Years After Citizens United, Critics Decry Billionaire Influence on U.S. Democracy

The Supreme Court ruling has enabled unprecedented political spending, with Trump’s re-election highlighting its consequences.

The 2010 Citizens United decision allowed unlimited political spending by corporations, nonprofits, and individuals, reshaping U.S. elections.
Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign received 44% of its funding from just 10 megadonors, including Elon Musk, who contributed over $277 million.
Critics argue the ruling has entrenched corporate influence in politics, sidelining ordinary voters and fostering economic inequality.
Efforts to overturn Citizens United include constitutional amendment proposals, with 22 states and over 800 local governments supporting such measures.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups emphasize the need to curb dark money and super PACs to restore faith in democratic processes.