On December 14th, 2016
President Elect Trump held a meeting with CEO's and other top executives from over 10 prominent, and emerging technology companies, examples include, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, Tesla, IBM, Facebook, Microsoft, and Alphabet (Google).
The President Elect definitely put on a show for the media, making statements directed at these corporations such as "There's nobody like you in the world." And, "We want you to keep going with that incredible innovation."
Trump likely enjoys the fruits of these companies labor, so it stands to reason that he may be sincere in saying this. However his protectionist, anti-free trade rhetoric during his campaign was certainly eye opening. Particularly to these companies, many of which have their products manufactured in nations where labor is compensated for much cheaper than it is in the United States.
If that rhetoric can be taken seriously is yet to be seen, though I am highly skeptical. Trump has his own merchandise produced outside the US in places like China, Bangladesh, Honduras, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey, Germany, Taiwan, India, the Netherlands, I could keep going.
I'm certainly not faulting him for importing foreign made products into the US, but I have to make clear the absurd level of hypocrisy at hand if he chooses to turn his protectionist rhetoric into legislation. The potential economic consequences, and precedent set by this direct manipulation of the market are.... YUGE.
*Fingers crossed for free trade*
-Knox