dark money

American  

[dahrk muhn-ee] / ˈdɑrk ˈmʌn i /

noun

1. money donated to politically active nonprofit organizations or anonymous corporate entities, which spend this money to influence political campaigns or other special interests but are not required to reveal their donors.

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Etymology

Origin of dark money

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

We never talked about dark money, which the public hates.

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2024

A spokesperson for Murray, D-Wash., said neither the senator’s campaign nor official office had any involvement in or knowledge of the supposed dark money transfer.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

The money flowed mostly through so-called dark money groups, which don't have to disclose their donors.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2022

“My fear is that the dark money is entering Hawaii politics and I don’t believe that it belongs there,” Saiki said.

From Washington Times • Jun. 10, 2022

The usual way that Russian oligarchs hide their "dark money" abroad is through shell companies.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2022