Isn't this standard practice in US politics?
What is the difference between lobbying (legal) and bribery (illegal)?
I googled it...
Quote:
.....Bribery vs. Lobbying: An Overview
Bribery and lobbying are often conjoined in the public mind: Critics of lobbying suggest that it's bribery in a suit. While both seek a favorable outcome, the two remain distinct practices. Bribery is considered an effort to buy power; paying to guarantee a certain result; lobbying is considered an effort to influence power, often by offering contributions.
One key difference is that bribery is considered illegal, while lobbying is not.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lobbying is the organizing of a group of like-minded people, industries, or entities to influence an authoritative body or lawmaking individual, often through financial contributions.
Bribery involves the payment of something—either money or goods or an intangible favor—in the subversion of normal practices, for gain or special treatment, or in order to get an advantage.
In the U.S., lobbying is legal, while bribery is not.
Bribery is an effort to buy power, while lobbying is just an effort to influence it; but admittedly, the distinction between the two can be opaque.....
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From
https://www.investopedia.com/financi...x#toc-lobbying