Trump didn’t deregulate Big Tech. He sold them immunity. “At the beginning of Trump’s second term, at least 104 technology sector corporations faced at least 143 federal investigations and enforcement actions. So far, 47 of those enforcement actions (against 45 tech corporations) have been withdrawn or halted (38 withdrawn, nine halted).” https://www.citizen.org/news/trump-puts-big-tech-above-the-law-amid-industrys-billion-dollar-influence-campaign/
The cost was clear. “Tech corporations facing enforcement, their executives, and their investors have collectively spent $1.2 billion, including: $863 million in political spending, primarily allocated to super PACs; $222 million in payments to Trump’s businesses; $76 million in lobbying spending; and $25 million in donations to Trump’s inauguration.” https://www.citizen.org/news/trump-puts-big-tech-above-the-law-amid-industrys-billion-dollar-influence-campaign/
Then came the chip industry. Trump didn’t regulate it—he took control. “Trump said there would be a price for granting Nvidia the licenses it needed to sell artificial intelligence chips to China. ‘I want 20%,’ Trump said. ‘Will you make it 15?’ Huang asked. Trump… agreed to the counterproposal.” https://www.deccanherald.com/world/how-us-president-donald-trump-made-himself-commander-in-chief-of-the-chip-industry-nvidia-3679244
Intel wasn’t spared. “He has… urged one company, Intel, to fire its CEO.” https://www.deccanherald.com/world/how-us-president-donald-trump-made-himself-commander-in-chief-of-the-chip-industry-nvidia-3679244
No one is tracking where the chip fees go. No legal framework. No oversight. Commerce hasn’t explained how Nvidia’s export cut is collected. Intel’s CEO pressure came mid-policy rollout with no timeline logic. Nvidia’s license was granted two days after Trump’s “negotiation.” Apple’s gold plaque ceremony ran the same week enforcement actions were dropped. The same president who halted 47 investigations now demands 20% from chip exports. No one’s asking why Nvidia’s counteroffer was accepted. No one’s asking why Intel’s CEO was targeted. No one’s asking what happens if they say no. Everyone pretends this is leadership. It isn’t. It’s a transaction.