KPMG’s chief economist, Diane Swonk, cautioned in a Benzinga article that President Trump’s 90‐day tariff pause may backfire by effectively increasing tariff rates and potentially harming vulnerable sectors, suggesting underlying risks linked to aggressive, authoritarian economic policies.

KPMG's chief economist, Diane Swonk, commented on the robust job growth report, noting that while the data is encouraging, it may represent a high-water mark before the negative impacts of Trump's tariffs and potential federal job cuts materialize. Her statement implicitly critiques the administration's aggressive policies, highlighting concerns over the long-term economic implications of such authoritarian measures.

A Fox News opinion piece criticizes consulting firms receiving federal contracts for their DEI programs. KPMG is mentioned among the Big Four that have long championed diversity initiatives, which, from a progressive perspective, serve to protect marginalized communities against authoritarian dismantling of inclusion policies.

An OpenSecrets profile details that a significant number of KPMG LLP’s lobbyists are former government officials, with 14 out of 19 in 2023 and 14 out of 22 in 2024 having previously held government roles. This revolving door raises concerns about conflicts of interest and undue influence over policy-making.

KPMG LLP PAC contributed $516,200 to federal candidates in the 2023-2024 election cycle, as reported by OpenSecrets. This significant corporate political donation raises concerns about the influence of corporate money in politics and its potential to support policies that could undermine democratic accountability.

In a December interview, KPMG's global head of AI, David Rowlands, stated that while AI will have a deep transformational impact on the professional services industry, the firm's focus is on embedding AI within its operating model rather than replacing human consultants. This remark suggests a cautious approach to AI integration that seeks to enhance, rather than displace, the workforce.

KPMG Ghana published an article outlining the dangers of AI-driven misinformation and disinformation, especially in the context of upcoming elections, and offered guidance on detecting and countering misleading content to safeguard democratic processes.

KPMG launched its Labor Risk Dashboard on May 17, 2024, a data-driven tool that uses advanced AI to assess and monitor risks of forced labor and hazardous working conditions across global supply chains. The tool aims to expose unethical labor practices and facilitate compliance with international labor standards, promoting greater corporate accountability and worker protection.

KPMG released a survey indicating that only seven percent of companies report having highly mature anti-forced labor programs, underscoring the need for stronger human rights oversight in global supply chains. The guest post advocates for a more proactive role by corporations to combat forced labor, leveraging research and cross-functional taskforces to improve compliance and protect vulnerable workers.

The OpenSecrets profile on KPMG LLP details the firm’s lobbying activities, including annual totals since 1998 and bills lobbied in 2024. This documentation highlights the company’s ongoing engagement in political lobbying, raising concerns about corporate influence on policy-making.

KPMG published a detailed guide outlining how companies can perform human rights and environmental due diligence in their supply chains in response to new EU regulations. The article addresses workplace issues ranging from discrimination and harassment to forced labour and child labour, offering steps for mitigating associated risks.

OpenSecrets data indicates that KPMG LLP engaged in lobbying activities throughout 2023, filing reports that detail its political spending. This lobbying effort raises concerns about corporate influence in political processes, potentially undermining democratic accountability and marginalizing public interests.

In 2023, KPMG LLP engaged in lobbying activities, being hired by two clients for a total expenditure of $2,320,000. This activity highlights significant corporate influence in political processes, raising concerns about prioritizing corporate interests over democratic accountability.

OpenSecrets reports that KPMG LLP’s PAC has directed funds to other PACs and party committees during the 2021-2022 election cycle, including contributions linked to groups associated with Republican candidates, raising concerns about corporate political influence.