Senator Hagerty, an aide to Trump, states 'Congress's issues with Coupang are timely'
Senator Bill Hagerty expressed support for the U.S. Congress's inquiry into Coupang, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for U.S. businesses in trade relations with South Korea.
In response to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee issuing a subpoena for testimony and documents from Harold Rogers, the interim representative of Korean e-commerce giant Coupang, Senator Bill Hagerty, a close associate of former President Donald Trump, publicly backed the committee's inquiry. On social media, Hagerty shared posts from Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, highlighting the need for U.S. trading partners to treat American companies fairly and equitably. He described the committee's questions as important and timely, reinforcing an expectation of fair economic relations between the U.S. and South Korea.
Additionally, Congressman Darrell Issa, who has been vocal in criticizing Coupang, echoed Hagerty's sentiments, stating that Congress must advocate for American workers and businesses globally. This support for the inquiry follows significant scrutiny of Coupang, which has been accused of unfair practices that could undermine American businesses. Hagerty’s connections to both the Trump administration and the South Korean business landscape, reflected in his relationships with prominent figures in Korean economic circles, further emphasize the political intricacies at play.
However, some commentators suggest that Hagerty's comments should be viewed through the lens of Coupang's financial ties to his campaign. According to reports from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Coupang's political action committee, COUPAC, has contributed a total of $5,000 to Hagerty’s election committee in two installments scheduled for late April and mid-May 2025. This relationship raises questions about the underlying motivations for his support of the investigation, complicating the narrative surrounding the inquiry into Coupang’s practices and the broader implications for U.S.-Korea trade relations.