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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dark money

Modern-day discussion of U.S. campaign finance revolves around issues such as dark money, outside-group spending and corporate personhood.

From Salon ● Jul. 2, 2026

L.A. voters have seen the arrival of AI campaign videos, an influx of dark money mailers and national media coverage from US Weekly, Vanity Fair and many other outlets, thanks in large part to Pratt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 1, 2026

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

From Slate ● Nov. 25, 2024

“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

Trebor Worthen, a GOP political consultant who is running one of the dark money groups, Sooner State Leadership PAC, said it is dedicated to public safety and has raised $10 million.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 24, 2022

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