Trump’s “Special Book” Doubles Down on Corporate Hit List, Attacking Global Climate, Health, and Digital Regulations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday’s annual National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report continues the Trump administration’s shameful attacks on democratic policymaking around the world by labeling other countries’ public interest policies as “trade barriers.”
Trump waved around the NTE report last year when he announced his reciprocal tariffs, calling it a “special book” listing other countries purported “non-tariff trade barriers.” Using the threat of tariffs, President Trump has bullied countries into signing up to ‘reciprocal trade agreements’ that target many of the policies included in the report. While those “reciprocal tariffs” were deemed illegal by the Supreme Court in February, the administration continues to to target public interest policies around the world.
Among the policies in the report’s crosshairs are:
- Digital regulations aimed at promoting competition, protecting user privacy, taxing Big Tech companies, and protecting against the risks of artificial intelligence systems.
- Climate protections, including regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, enhancing the use of sustainability measures, and preventing deforestation.
- Public health regulations aimed at protecting consumers, preserving biodiversity, and preventing long-term health risks.
Melinda St. Louis, Global Trade Watch director at Public Citizen, commented on the report:
“The Trump administration’s latest NTE Report demonstrates the complete capture of this administration by big corporate interests. This report continues Trump’s dangerous, retaliatory trade agenda that threatens democratic policymaking here and abroad.
“The attacks on essential global health, digital rights and other consumer protection laws shows yet again how the U.S. administration is using trade policy as a tool for its mega-donors to exploit. Countries have the sovereign right to pursue policies that advance public interest.
“Given that Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court, the NTE Report provides a worrying corporate shopping list that the administration might continue to use to try to resurrect the illegal and coercive tariffs using alternate authorities.”
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