President Trump is moving aggressively to secure economic deals across 20–30 strategic industries ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, according to multiple sources.
Reuters carry the story, ICYMI. In brief:
The White House is using a “whole-of-government” approach, leveraging tariff relief, regulatory concessions, and even equity stakes in companies to secure announcements that Trump can personally unveil.
Pharmaceutical companies have been a particular focus.
- Eli Lilly was pressed to expand insulin production, Pfizer was asked to boost supplies of its cancer and cholesterol drugs, and AstraZeneca was urged to consider a U.S. headquarters move.
- The administration announced this week a deal with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to cut drug prices in exchange for tariff relief.
But pharma is only one piece. Officials are targeting critical sectors such as AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, critical minerals, energy, shipbuilding, and batteries.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, acting as Trump’s “deal maker-in-chief,” has overseen equity stakes in Intel and U.S. Steel, while J.P. Morgan has fielded more than 100 corporate inquiries since July’s MP Materials deal.
To finance the push, the administration is looking to expand the International Development Finance Corporation’s authority to $250 billion and launch a new U.S. Investment Accelerator.
- Supporters argue the plan will re-shore supply chains, reduce reliance on China, and safeguard U.S. security.
- Critics counter that it represents a dramatic shift away from America’s free-market tradition, putting the government in the role of picking corporate winners and losers.
