The second issue of “Regulator,” a newsletter focused on the interactions between major technology companies and U.S. government policies, sheds light on the lobbying landscape in Washington. Lobbyists, often well-experienced and compensated professionals, usually have insights into legislative developments. However, following the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, many lobbyists reported a significant uncertainty regarding governmental actions, such as potential changes to immigration policies or tariffs. They highlighted their challenges in planning given the unpredictable nature of the administration’s policies, contrasting with the consistency they were accustomed to.
Approximately six months into Trump’s presidency, lobbying practices shifted significantly. Two distinct approaches emerged: companies could either financially support Trump or employ individuals with ties to his administration for favorable lobbying outcomes. Examples included substantial financial contributions by companies to Trump-related initiatives. This trend indicates a departure from traditional lobbying practices, where firms typically employed experts with relevant regulatory experience.
Meta, one of the most affected companies, has recently added several Trump associates to its board and policy teams, aiming to strengthen its influence and mitigate regulatory risks. Furthermore, allegations arose concerning Hewlett-Packard Enterprise’s hiring of Trump-aligned individuals to sway Department of Justice decisions, stating that connections with pro-Trump figures could yield favorable outcomes.
As the tech industry increasingly engages with Trump-aligned lobbying strategies, questions arise regarding the underlying motivations for these shifts. The CEOs of technology companies, traditionally aligned with Democratic values, seem to have adapted their strategies primarily to maintain profitability in a rapidly changing political environment. This adaptation has led to speculation about whether the political allegiance of tech leaders was ever deeply rooted or simply a means to achieve business goals.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/regulator-newsletter/761358/how-the-maga-goon-squad-became-tech-lobbyists