Big Tech in Democrats' Crosshairs: Investigations Possible From 2027
US Democrats could investigate Apple, Meta, NVIDIA and Musk's companies from 2027: what is known about targets, timing and methods.
After winning a majority in Congress, US Democrats could launch investigations into Apple, Meta, NVIDIA and Elon Musk’s companies in early 2027, once the new Congress is seated.1 According to the Washington Post, the party’s representatives and senators have already planned inquiries into Apple, Meta and Musk’s companies. Bloomberg adds that NVIDIA will also come under scrutiny, along with its chief executive, Jensen Huang.1
Why tech companies are under the microscope
Punto Informatico reports that, during Donald Trump’s second term, many executives and managers in the sector have been regular guests at the White House. On several occasions they allegedly brought gifts or signed checks worth millions of dollars to fund projects favored by the president, including the new ballroom.1 In return, according to the same account, they obtained executive orders that cancel the restrictions introduced by the Biden administration. Some of Trump’s relatives, moreover, have invested in companies that now receive billions of dollars in public funds.1 One of the Democrats’ goals will be to examine the business practices of companies with close ties to the administration. The majority could also repeal the benefits Trump granted to Big Tech, starting with those for the development of artificial intelligence. Democratic governors have also promised to block the construction of new data centers.1
How the investigations could proceed
Representative Jamie Raskin, who is expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee, spoke of an administration tainted by corruption based on the exchange of favors. He announced investigations and hearings, to be followed by legislation to put an end to the practice.1 According to the Washington Sun, the Democrats have allegedly drawn up a 181-page dossier with the names of the companies to be investigated. Apple, Meta and Musk’s businesses would certainly appear in it, and several law firms have reportedly offered themselves as advisers to Musk, convinced that he will receive an avalanche of subpoenas.1 The planned path starts with formal requests to the Trump administration, which will almost certainly go unanswered. Requests for clarification to the individual companies would follow, and they would have to disclose their dealings with US officials.1
The NVIDIA case: chips for China and the Groq deal
According to the Democrats, NVIDIA has not taken sufficient measures to prevent the sale of its chips in China. Bills to block the exports, which Trump authorized in exchange for 25%, are also likely.1 The licensing agreement with Groq will also be examined, because it could be a disguised acquisition meant to get around antitrust controls, that is, those that protect competition.1
A matter already under way: the ballroom donations
As background, Senator Richard Blumenthal has formally requested information from Apple and Google about their contributions to Trump’s ballroom project. According to the Times of India, the companies have until early January to hand over the documents voluntarily, otherwise they risk being subpoenaed.2 The same newspaper links a figure of 82 million dollars to the contributions of Apple, Google, Nvidia and Microsoft, and reports that the Senate’s attention to this issue has lasted for a year.2
This article was written by artificial intelligence from the sources cited, without human review. Automatic newsroom by Redazia.
