As reported yesterday, Carrier did issue a press release, perhaps to confirm that it hadn't merely caved to Trump team pressure, when it said that "the incentives offered by the state were an important consideration" adding that "this agreement in no way diminishes our belief in the benefits of free trade and that the forces of globalization will continue to require solutions for the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. and of American workers moving forward."

As we further noted, shortly after the deal, questions emerged as to what the motive behind Carrier's decision may have been. "Was Carrier pressured into doing a deal that was not in the best interest of shareholders of its parent, United Technologies? Was strongarming involved? Did Trump make a major concession as part of a political deal or did Carrier simply bend over backwards to appease the President-elect?"