WASHINGTON, D.C. January 21, 2026 – On the 16th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) delivered a passionate speech on the House floor, denouncing the ruling as a “fundamental erosion of our democratic system” and urging Congress to prioritize overturning it upon regaining Democratic control of the House.
In her address, posted on X (formerly Twitter) and shared across social media platforms, Stansbury accused the decision of putting “our democracy up for sale” by allowing corporations and billionaires to pour unlimited, anonymous funds into elections. “Democracy is not for sale,” she declared, emphasizing that “corporations are not people” and that elections should belong to the American people, not wealthy donors or dark money groups.
The speech, which lasted over four minutes, went beyond critiquing the 2010 ruling. Stansbury pointed to what she described as ongoing corruption in the current administration, Congress, and judiciary, linking it directly to the influence of big money enabled by Citizens United. She specifically called out President Donald Trump, alleging he has sold pardons for millions of dollars, accepted gifts like multi-million-dollar jets, and compromised national security by allowing foreign adversaries to deposit funds into his cryptocurrency holdings.
“Because President Trump is showing what happens when you let big money buy politics,” Stansbury said. She referenced reports of Trump promising Big Oil deregulation in exchange for a billion dollars in campaign funds, claiming he followed through by “literally invading a foreign country to take their oil.” She also criticized a Republican leadership member for trading stocks amid discussions of a stock trading ban, and accused Supreme Court justices of undermining voting rights after receiving trips from wealthy donors aligned with Trump and GOP interests.
Stansbury vowed that overturning Citizens United would be a “top priority” when Democrats “take back the House,” guaranteeing action on day one to “root this corruption and this rot out of the federal government.” She concluded, “It’s time to get big money out of politics, and I am here for the fight.”
The Citizens United decision, handed down on January 21, 2010, struck down restrictions on independent political expenditures by corporations, unions, and other organizations, arguing that such spending is protected under the First Amendment. Critics, including many Democrats, argue it has led to an influx of dark money in politics, skewing elections toward wealthy interests. Supporters, often Republicans, view it as a victory for free speech.
Stansbury’s post on X garnered significant attention, with over 4,000 views, 250 likes, and dozens of reposts and replies within hours. Reactions were polarized. Conservative users criticized her stance, with one replying, “Elections belong to American citizens only. Pass the SAVE Act,” referring to voter integrity measures. Another accused her of hypocrisy, saying, “You’re just mad Elon is donating to Republicans.” Supporters echoed her call, with one user simply stating, “
This speech comes amid a tumultuous start to 2026 in Congress, where Stansbury has been active on issues like ethics and accountability. Just days earlier, she voted in favor of advancing contempt resolutions against former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in relation to the Epstein probe, stating in committee that “no one is above the law.” Her actions highlight ongoing partisan battles over corruption and campaign finance reform.
As Democrats strategize for midterm elections, Stansbury’s remarks underscore a key platform issue: reforming campaign finance to restore public trust in government. Whether this resonates with voters remains to be seen, but her unyielding stance positions her as a vocal advocate against perceived systemic rot in Washington.
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