The oil industry has a long history of influencing Donald Trump’s policies. In 2017, the White House issued a press statement that closely mirrored ExxonMobil’s own press release, highlighting the company’s investments in Gulf Coast projects.
Now, seven years later, oil industry executives are reportedly writing presidential executive orders for Trump to sign if he returns to the White House.
Recently, Trump met with top oil executives at Mar-a-Lago, where he asked them to raise $1 billion to support his presidential campaign in exchange for favorable policies and tax breaks.
This brazen request has sparked outrage, with President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign calling it a “corrupt MAGA agenda” that prioritizes Trump’s donors over working families.
Donald Trump
Trump’s transactional approach to politics is nothing new, but this incident highlights his willingness to cater to the interests of wealthy elites over the needs of the general public. His claim that he took steps to deliberately raise gas prices to help oil industry profits further underscores his allegiance to Big Oil.
The definition of “populist” is often amorphous, but this story makes it clear that Trump is no champion of the people. His loyalty lies with the wealthy and powerful, not with the working class or the environment. As the 2024 election approaches, it’s essential to remember Trump’s cozy relationship with Big Oil and his willingness to prioritize their interests over the public good.
