Rep. Raskin Seeks Records on Tariff Exemptions Following $5 Million Donations

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has requested records from the White House and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to determine how the administration selected specific industries for tariff exemptions. In a letter sent on Wednesday, Raskin described the process as a tool for self-enrichment and asked for a response by Nov. 11.

The request targets import duties imposed in July under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The administration states these tariffs, which apply to nearly all U.S. imports from more than 80 countries, are designed to combat foreign forced-labor practices. Critics, including Raskin, argue the measures serve to replace the broad duties struck down by the Supreme Court in February.

Raskin highlighted three specific exemptions granted to industries with close ties to the president. He noted that the U.S. allowed up to 300,000 metric tons of Brazilian beef to be imported below market prices following a late-August meeting between Trump and Joesley Batista, co-owner of JBS. JBS’s U.S. subsidiary, Pilgrim’s Pride, provided $5 million to Trump’s 2024 inaugural fund, the largest single corporate donation.

The letter also questions the exemption for diamond jewelry, which Raskin called laughably indefensible because the Labor Department lists diamonds as goods produced with forced or child labor. He suggested a link to a gold ring set with 321 natural diamonds that the Antwerp World Diamond Center gave to Trump in June to honor the nation’s 250th birthday.

Regarding smartphones, Raskin pointed to the exemption for Chinese-made devices despite known abusive working conditions in the industry. He cited a reported $1 million inaugural donation from Apple executive chairman Tim Cook, a gold plaque gift, and Apple’s $25 million contribution to the White House ballroom project, which is tied for the largest gift.

Raskin also referenced the lifting of forced-labor restrictions on Dominican sugar producer Central Romana. Its owner, José Francisco Fanjul, hosted a $50 million fundraiser for Trump in 2024, and his family corporation gave $1 million to a pro-Trump PAC. Fanjul is also listed as a donor to the ballroom project.

A White House official speaking anonymously said the administration’s only guiding special interest is the best interest of the American people. The USTR did not respond to a request for comment.