Representative Jamie Raskin accused Donald Trump of using tariffs to grant favors in exchange for donations and other benefits. He cited exemptions for Brazilian meat, diamonds and smartphones, along with several political contributions and gifts made to Trump or his allies. In a letter dated for submission by November 11, he requested communications between the White House, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and private-sector representatives, including Tim Cook and Jean-Frederic Dufour. Raskin also asserted that the tariffs imposed in July were intended to replace duties struck down by the Supreme Court in February and that Tax Foundation analyses put their average cost at $820 per U.S. household this year. The White House and USTR did not immediately respond to CNBC.
Source: Read the original article
