Barry Zekelman: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
https://heavy.com/news/2019/05/barry-zekelman/
Barry Zekelman is a Canadian billionaire who owns steels plants both in Canada and in the United States. Most of his business is in the United States. That’s why, according to the New York Times, Zekelman has been lobbying hard for protectionist policies for steel makers in the United States.
The Times reported that some of Zekelman’s lobbying activities may have “skirted” or even violated the law. Zekelman has high praise for President Trump and his policies.
Zekelman’s net worth has been estimated at 3.46 billion, making him the 24th richest person in Canada. He and his wife, Stephanie, live a lavish lifestyle and own homes around the world. Here’s what you need to know about Barry Zekelman:
1. He & His Wife Have Met With President Trump & Members of the Trump Family as Part of a Lobbying Campaign to Protect US Steelmakers
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/barry-zekelman-steel-tariff-trump-1.4563140?fbclid=IwAR2STaclKFFZToSuUcZnEgvYJ2b3PoxWjh8VJ8t7a05MTSxTPJ0h_76EZDE
The New York Times reported that last year, Zekelman and his wife took part in a “small dinner” with President Trump and his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. Zekelman told the Times that they had talked about quotas that the United States was planning to impose on steel imports from South Korea. South Korea is a key competitor in the field of steel.
Zekelman later praised the president for his policies. “He’s attacking the problems that should have been attacked for many years,” Mr. Zekelman, 52, said of Mr. Trump in an interview.He told Canadian broadcaster CBC that Trump’s plans for a 25 percent tariff for steel and 10 percent for aluminum was an example the Canadian government should follow. He added that in his opinion, the tariffs could be even higher.
“Is that 25 percent duty enough? I don’t think it is and I actually think those duties should be much higher,” he said.
2. His Company, Zekelman Industries, Donated $1.75 Million to Support Trump Last Year
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/steel-tariff-zekelman-freeland-1.4869440
The Times reports that in 2018 Zekelman Industries, the company owned by Barry Zekelman, donated $1.75 million to a fund intended to support Donald Trump. The Times says that the donations may have been a violation of laws that bar foreigners for lobbying in the United States. Still, it’s not quite clear whether Zekelman actually violated the law.
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