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

See Examples For:

dark money

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

The funds came from the Judicial Education Project, a dark money group that listed its address as a UPS Store in Georgetown.

From Slate ● May 8, 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

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