A comprehensive study reveals that politically connected firms significantly benefited from Trump administration tariff exemptions, with companies making Republican political contributions receiving preferential treatment in a deliberately obscure process.
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationReyes HoldingsBallard Partnersregulatory-capturepolitical-favoritismtrade-policycorporate-lobbying
In Trump’s second term, tariff policy became increasingly opaque, with exemptions granted through a non-transparent process heavily influenced by lobbyists and political connections. The administration replaced the previous public application process with closed-door negotiations, raising …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationIndustry lobbyistsReyes HoldingsBallard Partnerstariffssecond-administrationcorruptiontransparencycrony-capitalism+1 more
Reyes Holdings, a Coca-Cola bottling giant owned by two major Republican donors, secured a tariff exemption for PET plastic resin with no public explanation, leaving industry insiders baffled. Records show the company had recently hired lobbyists with close White House ties, heightening suspicions …