Story perspectives

Trump's Trade Policies Spark AI Innovation and Tax Controversy

2/19/2026

Center

Basu Innovates Customs

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies pressured customs, prompting Sam Basu, a former Google engineer, to co-found Amari AI to modernize customs brokerage and automate data entry.
Amari AI has over 30 customers and raised $4.5 million in funding to advance data-entry automation.
The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance enabling large corporations to claim retroactive tax deductions for research and development totaling about $67 billion, drawing Democratic criticism for favoring big businesses and potentially affecting Meta and Qualcomm under the Biden-era corporate minimum tax.

Left

US-EU Tensions Rise

Tensions have escalated between the United States and the European Union over technology regulations, the EU's Digital Services Act.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump argues Digital Services Act restricts free speech and burdens American firms.
President Emmanuel Macron of France anticipates retaliatory measures from the United States, including tariffs.
Europe seeks monetary and digital sovereignty to reduce reliance on American firms like Amazon and Google.

History

Historical Context

The Digital Markets Act (DMA), enacted in 2022, aims to regulate major online platforms in the EU, enhancing competition and user protections. This legislation reflects Europe's push for digital sovereignty, particularly under President Macron's leadership. The U.S. response, including potential tariffs, recalls historical trade tensions like the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff, highlighting ongoing conflicts between regulation and free market principles.

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Basu Innovates Customs

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies pressured customs, prompting Sam Basu, a former Google engineer, to co-found Amari AI to modernize customs brokerage and automate data entry.
Amari AI has over 30 customers and raised $4.5 million in funding to advance data-entry automation.
The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance enabling large corporations to claim retroactive tax deductions for research and development totaling about $67 billion, drawing Democratic criticism for favoring big businesses and potentially affecting Meta and Qualcomm under the Biden-era corporate minimum tax.

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