Why is the Trump Administration letting ZTE off the hook?
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Gallego (D-AZ) and Congressman Moulton (D-MA) filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require agencies involved in trade negotiations with China to reveal to Congress any quid pro quo offers made to the Chinese government to ensure that the Trump administration will reduce penalties levied against Chinese phone maker ZTE.
FBI Director Christopher Wray and Counterintelligence Director Bill Evanian testified this week that ZTE penetration of the US cellphone market poses a threat to national security. Last month, the company was barred by the Commerce Department from purchasing US components after it emerged that the company had violated sanctions on the transfer of American technology to Iran and North Korea.
However, despite clear evidence that ZTE is actively harming US national security, on Sunday, President Trump tweeted his interest in helping ZTE, citing the loss of Chinese jobs. Commerce Secretary Ross is reportedly considering reversing a ban on sales from the company. At the same time, Trump stands to personally benefit from $1 billion in financing reportedly offered this week by the Chinese government and Chinese banks to a resort in Indonesia with which the Trump Organization maintains a business relationship.
"The American people deserve to know the truth about Trump's bizarre about-face on ZTE," said Gallego. "Why did he abruptly switch from trying to provoke a trade war with China to suddenly worrying about the loss of Chinese jobs? I'm offering this amendment to force the Trump administration to reveal the parameters of any agreement being negotiated behind closed doors. We need to know if the Administration is getting a good deal for America or just for Donald Trump personally."