In a surprising development, the White House has rolled out a spreadsheet that assesses hundreds of companies based on their loyalty to the administration. As reported by Axios, this “loyalty scorecard” can provoke quite a few questions, especially when we reflect on how such a concept might have been perceived before the Trump presidency.
The companies on this spreadsheet are evaluated based on their support for the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a budget plan passed in July that threatens healthcare for at least 17 million people while favoring tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. This support is judged through various channels, including social media posts, press releases, advertisements, and more, according to the Axios report.
Currently, the spreadsheet includes 553 companies and trade organizations, each receiving one of three ratings: strong, moderate, or low support for Trump. Notably praised on this list are companies such as Uber, DoorDash, United, Delta, AT&T, and Cisco. But it’s essential to consider the influence of financial contributions as well; many of these companies have a history of donating significant sums to Trump’s initiatives. For instance, AT&T, Delta, United, and Uber each gave $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee, while DoorDash contributed $100,000. Although Cisco didn’t make an inaugural donation, they have publicly praised Trump since his election in 2024.
Trump’s administration insists on allegiance to its far-right agenda, actively seeking to marginalize companies that fail to exhibit loyalty. This includes fostering relationships with major businesses through high-profile meetings. Apple CEO Tim Cook, a $1 million donor, visited the White House, announcing new investments in the U.S. and even gifting Trump an ornate signifier of allegiance: a piece of glass adorned with a 24-karat gold Apple logo.
According to an anonymous source from the White House, the loyalty spreadsheet is considered an “evolving” document, with future initiatives expected to be added beyond the Big Beautiful Bill. Moreover, it will serve as a reference point for lobbyists looking to approach the administration with requests. The source indicated, “If groups or companies want to start advocating more now for the tax bill or other priorities, we will take that into account in our grading.”
To many, this entire scenario may evoke comparisons to mob-like operations. Trump has consistently been a transactional leader, unafraid to pressure anyone who does not align with his interests. Even those who fall out of favor can potentially regain loyalty status if they play along. A prime example is Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. After Trump publicly criticized him, he quickly met with the President. Reports now suggest the U.S. government is considering taking a financial stake in Intel with funds from the Chips Act.
This relationship exemplifies the current state of business in the U.S.: companies must navigate a complex web of political loyalties if they wish to thrive. Trump’s approach sees the country as something to own, directly tying corporate engagement to political favoritism.
Adding to this concern, Trump is also pursuing a controversial “revenue-sharing agreement” with Nvidia and AMD, requesting a 15% cut on chips sent to China. Legal experts have indicated that such a deal may violate the Constitution. However, given Trump’s track record of skirting legal limitations, the implications remain to be seen.
Historically, the American public was outraged by similar tactics when President Richard Nixon maintained an enemies list in 1973. Yet, in today’s political climate, a White House loyalty ranking feels like just another strange chapter in an ever-evolving political narrative.
Why is the White House focusing on corporate loyalty? Understanding the motivations behind this loyalty spreadsheet sheds light on the intersection of business and politics today. The current focus reflects a strategy that prioritizes businesses that align with political ideologies, potentially reshaping corporate governance in America.
What companies are on the White House loyalty spreadsheet? The spreadsheet reportedly includes 553 companies, with brands like Uber, DoorDash, and Delta noted for their strong support of Trump’s agenda.
How will the loyalty ratings impact lobbying efforts? The ratings will likely be used as a reference by lobbyists seeking favor, making it essential for companies to demonstrate allegiance to Trump’s policies to access governmental support.
Are there legal implications for the Trump administration’s financial agreements? Yes, many of Trump’s agreements, such as the revenue-sharing deal with Nvidia and AMD, are regarded as potentially unconstitutional, raising concerns over legality and governance.
As we navigate through this complex landscape, it’s imperative to stay informed about how political loyalty influences business decisions. For more insights and updates on similar topics, consider visiting Moyens I/O.