AT&T is only too pleased about the economic growth set to happen thanks to the passage of the GOP’s new tax bill, and to celebrate, the telecommunications corporation is giving away $1,000 to 200,000 employees as a bonus. As you can imagine, this isn’t sitting well with Democrats, who have been preaching fire and brimstone about the bill nonstop.

According to CNBC, AT&T was “quick to respond” to the passage of the tax bill, which drops the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21:

The telecom giant said in a press release on Wednesday that it would give more than 200,000 U.S. union members a special bonus of $1,000. The company also increased its capital expenditures budget by $1 billion in the U.S.

“Congress, working closely with the President, took a monumental step to bring taxes paid by U.S. businesses in line with the rest of the industrialized world,” CEO Randall Stephenson said in a statement. “This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees.”

The announcement was met with suspicion to fury by the left. After all, everyone was supposed to suddenly die once the bill was passed.

Dear @ATT I've used you as a cell provider since age 16. 17 years. That ends today. Enjoy your permanent tax cut. 🖕

— Rose Wall (@goldhrtdbtch) December 20, 2017

https://twitter.com/NoahCRothman/status/943564094715645952

Some believe that AT&T is doing this to make Republicans and Trump look good, which will in turn help them complete their merger with Time Warner. The merger is currently being investigated by the Justice Dept., and some leftist believe this is something of a greasing of the wheels to get things moving.

Lest you forget AT&T has a case pending (merger with Time Warner) with the Justice Department, which has already sued them. Just the kind of action Donny likes to see. Watch how quickly this gets approved now. Swamp city USA.

— 1900 (@1999Mcm11) December 20, 2017

AT&T currently fighting DOJ regarding their attempt to buy Time Warner. https://t.co/pi63MLulTs

— Bart (@Bar_Tosh) December 20, 2017

AT+T greases the political skids for their merger. #mepolitics https://t.co/NGKPlVnmoQ

— Amy Fried (@ASFried) December 20, 2017

Of course, it’s all conspiracy!

Cheap (literally) but clever PR stunt in light of the GOP tax bill gift, billions in retained tax loopholes (reform?) and #NetNeutralty rules repeal. AT&T still facing intense wage/labor conditions/outsourcing pressure, but merger wheels greased. 'MERICA! https://t.co/GJ2O8AWoYS

— Jason Williams (@thesidetrack) December 20, 2017