General Motors reported spending nearly $11.4 million on federal lobbying expenses during the first three months of 2026, more than the company has ever spent in a single quarter, according to new federal lobbying disclosures. For comparison: The automotive giant spent about $8.2 million during the first quarter of 2025, then a record-breaking quarter for the company, when President Donald Trump took office and Republicans took control of both chambers of Congress. Only the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America — all trade associations — spent more on federal lobbying than General Motors during the first quarter of 2026. These were also the only four entities to spend more than $10 million on federal lobbying last quarter. Trending General Motors, which includes the Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC brands, historically spends more money on federal lobbying during the first quarter than it does during the second, third or fourth — just never to this degree. A spokesperson for General Motors declined to comment on the record when asked what was driving the notable increase in federal lobbying expenses. But in General Motors’ mandatory quarterly lobbying report to Congress, the company cited tariffs, autonomous vehicles and competition with China among its legislative priorities during the first three months of 2026. General Motors also disclosed lobbying on a range of issues including legislation related to autonomous vehicles, including a House bill that would require manufacturers and dealers to provide a “clear and conspicuous” notice of automated driving systems. And amid the United States’ war with Iran, General Motors also lobbied the Department of Defense on several matters, including “propulsion programs,” “infantry squad vehicle authorization” and “armored vehicle procurement” — all issues the company lobbied on prior to 2026. In addition to