The article expresses concern over the potential for crony capitalism under a Trump administration, focusing on the anticipated application of tariffs and the subsequent granting of exemptions.
It highlights the broad discretion given to the executive branch in setting tariffs, creating opportunities for political favoritism in granting exemptions. The author suggests that the criteria for granting these exemptions may be based less on genuine economic hardship and more on political contributions and connections to the Trump administration.
A statistical analysis is cited, demonstrating that during Trump's first term, companies with ties to the Republican party were more likely to receive tariff exemptions. This analysis serves as evidence of the existing pattern of political favoritism.
The article argues that Trump's proposed tariffs are of far greater scope and higher magnitude than those previously implemented, leading to concerns about a significant increase in political favoritism in the exemption process. The potential for abuse is thus heightened significantly.
Ultimately, the article warns that this situation represents a significant threat to fair economic practices and hints at a worrying trend of cronyism within the American political landscape under a Trump presidency.