Trump Aides Create Loyalty List Ranking 553 Companies for Tax Cut Support

President Donald Trump's aides have created a scorecard ranking 553 companies based on their support for his signature tax cut law. The list ranks companies as "strong, moderate, or low" partners and may affect how the federal government deals with them. Companies favorably ranked include DoorDash, Uber, and airline companies that supported the bill's funding for air traffic control infrastructure.

President Donald Trump's aides have created a scorecard ranking 553 companies based on their support for his signature tax cut law. The list, which ranks companies as "strong, moderate, or low" partners, is a significant development that may influence how the federal government interacts with these firms. The scorecard, which was first reported by Axios, is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to promote its legislative agenda and bolster public support for its policies.

The scorecard, which includes companies such as DoorDash Inc., Uber Technologies Inc., and major airline carriers like United Airlines Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc., aims to quantify the level of support these companies have provided to the tax cut law. Companies that have been favorably ranked may see preferential treatment from the federal government, while those ranked lower could face more scrutiny or less favorable policy decisions.

The creation of the scorecard comes at a time when the Trump administration is struggling to sell the public on the benefits of the tax and spending bill. According to a recent Pew Research poll, just 32% of Americans approve of the legislation, compared to 46% who disapprove. Despite this, the administration is ramping up efforts to promote the bill, with Trump holding events at the White House to highlight its benefits.

The scorecard also reflects the Trump administration's broader approach to business, which has included high-profile interventions and attempts to influence corporate decisions. For example, the administration has considered taking an equity stake in Intel Corp. and has secured agreements with Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to pay the government 15% of revenues from chip sales to China.

The implications of the scorecard for businesses are significant. Companies that have been favorably ranked may see new opportunities for government contracts, tax incentives, or regulatory leniency. Conversely, those ranked lower may face increased regulatory scrutiny, higher taxes, or less favorable policy decisions.

The scorecard also raises questions about the balance between government intervention and free-market principles. Critics have argued that the administration's approach to business is counter to traditional Republican Party commitments to free-market capitalism. However, the administration has defended its actions as necessary to achieve multiple, conflicting goals, such as boosting domestic manufacturing and generating new revenue.

As the Trump administration continues to promote its legislative agenda, the scorecard will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping policy decisions and influencing the behavior of businesses. Companies will need to carefully consider their level of support for the administration's policies and adjust their strategies accordingly.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/2-1-judgment-appeals-court-allows-trump-admin-to-cut-billions-in-foreign-aid-overturns-lower-court-ruling/articleshow/123288313.cms
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-15/trump-aides-create-loyalty-list-ranking-corporations-by-support
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2025/08/15/the-trouble-with-trumps-deal-with-nvidia-and-amd-its-an-export-tax/