BlackRock’s plan to acquire two crucial Panama Canal ports as part of a $22.8 billion deal has hit obstacles amid grave audit findings from Panama’s chief auditor and escalating US-China trade tensions. The concerns center on questionable clearances and financial irregularities linked to their partner, CK Hutchison, adding a layer of political and economic risk in a highly sensitive geopolitical environment.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned that many CEOs believe the economy is already in a recession due to President Trump's tariff policies, critiquing the authoritarian trade actions that could destabilize the global economy.

BlackRock, Inc. led a consortium in a deal to acquire two key Panama ports—a transaction announced shortly after President Trump’s tariff criticisms of Chinese activities in the Panama Canal. The deal, intended to address U.S. concerns, is now under review by Chinese antitrust regulators, highlighting both the political entwining and potential consolidation of economic power.

BlackRock, Inc. was identified as the lead in a consortium that struck a deal with Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison to sell key port assets in the Panama Canal. This deal has drawn international attention amid escalating geopolitical tensions linked to impending Trump tariffs, raising concerns over the firm's role in potentially reinforcing economic dominance that could favor authoritarian practices.

BlackRock, Inc.'s reported involvement in a $19 billion port deal with Li Ka-shing has recently raised alarms, as the deal has sparked China scrutiny and led to state firms being advised to pause new ties. This economic collaboration is seen by critics as aligning the firm with oligarchic interests that may bolster authoritarian influence.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is facing an OECD complaint alleging that its increased investments in companies linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses are contributing to the degradation of critical ecosystems and the violation of indigenous rights. The allegations include investments in agribusiness companies implicated in the destruction of the Amazon and other forests, raising concerns about corporate accountability and ethical investment practices.

A complaint has been filed by Friends of the Earth US and the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil with the U.S. State Department’s National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct. The complaint alleges that BlackRock’s increased investments in companies involved in widespread deforestation and human rights abuses violate OECD guidelines on environmental stewardship, indigenous rights, and corporate accountability.

Friends of the Earth U.S. and the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil submitted an OECD complaint on November 20, 2024, accusing BlackRock of contributing to environmental destruction, deforestation, and human rights abuses through its investments in agribusiness companies.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink publicly refuted accusations made by Republican contenders Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy during a debate, clarifying that he has not endorsed any candidate and emphasizing his meetings with a range of political figures. His response was intended to counter what he described as false and ideologically motivated attacks.

BlackRock, Inc. has hired three additional external lobbying firms as part of a revamp of its lobbying strategy in response to GOP attacks on ESG investing strategies. This move is seen as a measure to defend its progressive ESG commitment under increasing political pressure.

BlackRock, Inc. has made record-level donations to U.S. political campaigns amid growing scrutiny of its influence and advocacy for sustainable investing, as reported by Pensions & Investments. This event highlights the firm's substantial engagement in political contributions during a contentious ESG debate.

BlackRock disclosed a 63% increase in its federal lobbying spending for 2022, totaling $2.38 million, with a notable doubling of funds to high-powered lobbying firms to $1.2 million, as it responded to escalating anti-ESG political pressures.

BlackRock’s PAC poured record funds into US political campaigns between January and mid-October 2022, with donations distributed evenly among both political parties and selective avoidance of figures associated with undermining democratic norms. CEO Larry Fink and other executives also made personal contributions, reflecting a calculated political engagement strategy amidst rising scrutiny over ESG investing.

On November 4, 2021, members of the United Mine Workers of America rallied outside BlackRock's New York City headquarters to protest the labor practices of Warrior Met Coal, a company in which BlackRock is the largest shareholder. The protest, which resulted in the arrest of six demonstrators, highlights concerns that BlackRock's investment decisions indirectly support exploitative and unsafe working conditions in the coal industry.