AARP’s previously published survey, referenced in a recent NBC News article, revealed that 1 in 5 Americans over 50 has no retirement savings and 61% are concerned about inadequate funds. This data, coming amid market turmoil triggered by President Trump’s escalation of tariffs, underscores growing financial vulnerability among older Americans and serves as a call for political action and stronger protective policies.

AARP, through its OATS program, is partnering with Verizon to offer free digital wellness lessons in senior centers and Verizon stores. The initiative aims to educate seniors on identifying and avoiding digital scams, phishing attempts, and AI-driven fraud, thereby empowering this vulnerable community.

AARP has played a crucial role in highlighting constituent concerns amid the Social Security crisis triggered by Trump administration policies. By noting a spike in calls from retirees worried about benefit disruptions, AARP indirectly challenges authoritarian initiatives aimed at destabilizing social safety nets.

AARP's decade-long partnership with UnitedHealthcare, which channels nearly $1 billion annually into its coffers, has raised serious ethical questions regarding its role as a senior advocate. Critics argue that its alignment with an insurer under investigation for high claim denial rates indicates that the organization prioritizes financial gain over genuine advocacy for seniors.

AARP, traditionally seen as a champion for older Americans, is now under fire for its long-standing partnership with UnitedHealthcare. Critics argue that its significant financial reliance on corporate royalties and its aggressive lobbying—such as its enthusiastic support for the Inflation Reduction Act—appear to favor the insurer’s interests over those of its members, potentially undermining its advocacy mission.

AARP's recent statement emphasizes its longstanding non-partisan policy by not donating to or endorsing any political candidates or parties, which underscores its commitment to political neutrality and resistance to corporate complicity in authoritarian agendas.

An analysis of AARP's 2024 lobbying expenditures and the notable revolving door phenomenon in its cadre of lobbyists, reflecting potential complicity in influencing public policy in ways that may support authoritarian outcomes.

An analysis of AARP's lobbying activities based on its OpenSecrets profile, highlighting its extensive political engagement that can contribute to established power dynamics and democratic accountability concerns.

AARP is actively lobbying to support a drug pricing bill aimed at lowering prescription costs for seniors. The organization has spent $6.9 million on lobbying and is mobilizing its nearly 38 million members to pressure lawmakers in favor of progressive drug pricing reforms, countering the influence of Big Pharma.