The National Consumers League (NCL), known for advocating consumer interests, is under scrutiny for its funding and alignment with pharmaceutical companies. Recent investigations reveal connections between NCL and Big Pharma that raise questions about its independence and advocacy efforts.
• The NCL is the oldest consumer advocacy organization in the U. S. and is typically trusted by left-leaning individuals.
• Recent tax filings reviewed by the Washington Examiner show that NCL has received nearly $2 million from PhRMA, a drugmaker trade association, from 2020 to 2024. In 2024 alone, PhRMA contributed $875,000.
• In the past year, NCL spent about $600 million promoting the financial interests and policy agenda of pharmaceutical companies at both the federal and state levels.
• Issues NCL has supported align closely with PhRMA's positions, particularly on regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the 340B drug discount program.
• Historic content from NCL's website indicates that it did not criticize PBMs or the 340B program prior to receiving funding from PhRMA.
• When questioned about this relationship, NCL acknowledged that PhRMA's contributions support their healthcare initiatives.
• NCL has also taken positions on other industry-related issues, like short-term lending practices, which have drawn criticism, including from Elizabeth Warren regarding high overdraft fees.
The report underscores how the influence of Big Pharma through financial contributions to consumer advocacy groups like NCL complicates the landscape of national health care policies, making it a challenge for policymakers like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to reduce this influence.
https://amgreatness.com/2025/12/11/lefty-consumer-watchdog-group-bought-paid-for-by-big-pharma/
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