The Koch brothers, Charles and David, are emblematic figures of American business and politics. Heirs of Koch Industries, the second largest private company not listed in the United States, with a turnover of over $100 billion. The company is active in various sectors, including oil, chemistry and paper. In 2018, their cumulative wealth was $125 billion. Libertarians convinced, they funded many think tanks, associations and Republican political candidates. Their network of influence, nicknamed kochtopus, played a major role in the rise of the Tea Party and in the transformation of the Republican Party. They have been fighting against legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including Obamacare and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Their philanthropy: Despite the controversies, they have also made important donations to various causes, including in the medical field. David Koch died in 2019, leaving Charles at the head of the family empire. Recently, Charles Koch expressed remorse about his role in American political polarization, pointing to a possible change of course.
