Americans for Prosperity

Americans for Prosperity is the Koch network's 501(c)(4) advocacy arm — the largest dark money organization in conservative politics and, functionally, a shadow political party that operates year-round in 35+ states with paid staff and permanent infrastructure. Unlike most political organizations that ramp up during election cycles and go dormant between them, AFP maintains a permanent organizing presence, employing hundreds of paid staff who do year-round advocacy on Koch network priorities: tax cuts, deregulation, fossil fuel policy, school choice, and opposition to government healthcare programs. AFP's $200 million+ budget makes it larger than many state political party operations. Its state chapters have their own directors, field staff, and volunteer networks. AFP's grassroots events, town halls, and legislative campaigns create an organized constituency for Koch priorities that can be mobilized for elections, legislative fights, or regulatory comments on demand. This permanent infrastructure is AFP's most valuable asset — it creates the appearance of grassroots demand for policies that primarily benefit Koch Industries and its donor network. As a 501(c)(4), AFP keeps its donors completely anonymous. The $200 million+ that flows through AFP each year comes from the Koch donor network — approximately 700 wealthy individuals who attend biannual summits and collectively pledge hundreds of millions — but their identities are legally protected. This anonymity means that the single largest organized political force in conservative politics operates entirely beyond public accountability for its funding sources. AFP's policy priorities align remarkably closely with Koch Industries' business interests. Deregulation benefits Koch's refining and chemical operations. Tax cuts reduce Koch Industries' tax burden (the 2017 TCJA saved Koch an estimated $1.4 billion annually). Opposition to climate regulation protects Koch's fossil fuel business. Opposition to labor unions weakens the workforce that could demand higher wages from Koch's 120,000 employees. While AFP frames these positions as principled libertarianism, critics argue they are corporate self-interest disguised as ideology. The organization's decision to initially oppose Trump in 2024 — backing Nikki Haley in the primary through its super PAC sibling AFP Action — and then pivot to supporting him demonstrated the pragmatic limits of AFP's ideological principles. When forced to choose between purity and power, AFP chose power, recognizing that a Republican administration aligned with Koch priorities on taxes and deregulation was more valuable than ideological consistency on trade, immigration, or executive power.