Trump tweeted that he had reached out to Carrier to convince the company not to move its manufacturing to Mexico.
I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving, trying to get Carrier A.C. Company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana). MAKING PROGRESS - Will know soon!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2016
We do know from Carrier that he has contacted them. From its tweet, we can assume that no significant announcement about its move is forthcoming.
Carrier has had discussions with the incoming administration and we look forward to working together. Nothing to announce at this time.
— Carrier (@Carrier) November 24, 2016
We don't know what was in those conversations between Trump and Carrier, or even if Trump spoke directly to someone at Carrier. Trump is not President, and therefore any communications of this nature aren't being captured and preserved.
We can be more than a little concerned about such haphazard approaches to policy. Did Trump or his people threaten Carrier with a possible tariff if it moved to Mexico? Doing so would put the Trump Administration in violation of NAFTA. Even if Trump smashes NAFTA, retaliating against one company would trigger a trade war with our neighbor, Mexico, that would more adversely impact on us than them.
Did Trump promise tax cuts and benefits? He doesn't have the authority to create new tax cuts, only the legislature does. And cutting taxes for corporations means less money for infrastructure improvements and maintenance necessary for companies to actually function in this country. That, or increase the federal debt to dizzying new heights.
Was there just jabber jabber, and nothing purposeful was stated? Then Trump is generating false hope among rust belt workers.
Carrier is scheduled to move its operation in August, 2017. This move has been planned for months, possibly even years. Carrier isn't going to abruptly change plans unless Trump has promised either a stick or a carrot he really can't deliver.
