OpenSecrets data for the 2024 election cycle shows that Merck & Co made campaign contributions totaling $2,404,248 and spent $9,320,000 on lobbying, with data releases on February 06 and February 19, 2025. This level of political engagement raises concerns about the influence of corporate money on policy-making.

According to OpenSecrets, Merck & Co. spent $9,320,000 on federal lobbying in 2024, indicating significant corporate political engagement aimed at influencing policy outcomes.

On April 30, 2024, Merck released its statement pursuant to the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act detailing comprehensive measures to identify and mitigate risks of slavery and human trafficking within its supply chain. The document highlights initiatives such as supplier selection based on ethical criteria, rigorous due diligence, social audit processes, and corrective actions, underscoring Merck's commitment to upholding human rights throughout its global operations.

In its 2023 Annual Report, Merck detailed a comprehensive risk management and due diligence approach for its supply chain. The report describes measures including compliance with human rights and environmental standards, adherence to the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, and responsible sourcing practices for conflict minerals.

Merck's 2023 annual report details its commitment to upholding human rights through comprehensive due diligence processes, including supply chain risk assessments, employee training in labor standards, and a robust whistleblowing mechanism. The report also underlines its longstanding adherence to the UN Global Compact since 2005.

Merck & Co. released its 2024 Public Policy Statement outlining a comprehensive commitment to internationally recognized human rights standards. The document details robust measures on labor rights, non-discrimination, privacy, environmental protection, and supplier expectations, reinforcing the company’s dedication to ethical business practices and respect for human dignity.

On June 6, 2023, Merck initiated a lawsuit alleging that the Medicare drug price negotiation process under the Inflation Reduction Act is unconstitutional, arguing it constitutes an uncompensated taking and forces compelled speech. This legal action is seen as an effort to undermine progressive reforms intended to lower drug prices and benefit Medicare beneficiaries.

Merck filed a lawsuit in June challenging the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare drug price negotiation program, arguing it constitutes extortion and violates constitutional rights, while significantly ramping up its lobbying efforts—spending $8.2 million through September and favoring GOP-aligned political contributions—to influence policy implementation. These actions are seen as efforts to block progressive reforms aimed at lowering prescription drug costs and protecting vulnerable consumers.

Merck & Co. released its comprehensive principles document governing corporate and PAC spending. The document outlines strict guidelines designed to ensure that political contributions reflect corporate interests without coercing or pressuring employees, mandates full public disclosure of political expenditures, and establishes oversight through a dedicated Political Contributions Committee. The policy, effective as of September 2018, reinforces transparent and ethical political engagement.