The Commerce Department yesterday issued a preliminary finding that would subject Korea Aluminium’s exports to a 105% tax, nearly four times the current rate.
The Trump Organisation, the Commerce Department, Base and Korea Aluminium did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Trump Organisation told the New York Times the payment is part of a golf course project that has not yet been announced.
No evidence has emerged that Trump or his family intervened in the investigation on behalf of Base or Korea Aluminium. But Trump’s expansive portfolio and family business’ deals with companies around the world have no parallel in modern American industry, opening new ethical quagmires.
Presidents traditionally have divested from companies that could pose a conflict of interest in office. Trump, meanwhile, has maintained extensive holdings in crypto and real estate ventures, amassing unprecedented wealth in office. His 2025 income soared to more than US$2.2 billion, fuelled primarily by cryptocurrency-related ventures.
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