By John Q. Hosedrinker 
At a recent gathering of CEOs, primarily Republican, many expressed concerns about the current administration’s policies. Despite initial support out of patriotic duty, business leaders voiced that Trump’s actions are undermining the economic foundations of the U.S. Two-thirds of the CEOs reported that tariffs have harmed their businesses, leading to uncertainty and investment hesitations. They also expressed disapproval of the administration’s economic interventions and foreign policy, fearing these moves benefit China.
Read the original article here
Behind Closed Doors, Our Top CEOs Say Trump is Bad For Business And it’s Time to Make America into America Again
Behind closed doors, the narrative shifts. Top CEOs, the titans of industry, the very people who often bankroll the political machine, are reportedly voicing a stark assessment: Donald Trump is bad for business. The supposed irony here is that these are the same individuals who, often for self-serving reasons, have historically supported Republican policies, even if it meant some level of financial sacrifice. Yet, the situation has reached a point where their carefully cultivated bottom lines are under threat. The destabilization, the unpredictability, the constant barrage of chaos – it’s all taking a toll, and they are starting to worry.
Greed, as they say, is one of the seven deadly sins. And let’s be frank, these are the captains of industry. The CEOs understand that a stable, predictable environment is crucial for long-term financial success. Trump, with his erratic behavior and trade wars, is throwing a wrench into that engine. They’re seeing their investments, their supply chains, and their global standing jeopardized. Many of them are now likely fearful that their companies, once seen as engines of prosperity, might become targets for nationalization or other forms of intervention. The irony isn’t lost on anyone.
The courage to speak truth to power, however, is sorely lacking. While these CEOs have a lot to lose, the fact remains that the only real change is to speak out publicly. Instead of anonymous griping and closed-door discussions, the time has come to stand up for what is right. The Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute’s forum, with its Chatham House rules, provides a safe space for these leaders to vent their concerns. Yet, their reluctance to publicly challenge the administration, especially in public, is deafening. It’s a commentary on how fragile their commitment to the country is, when their business is impacted.
Consider the impact of tariffs. Two-thirds of these CEOs claim that U.S. tariffs have been harmful to their businesses. They’ve tried everything from supply chain adjustments to layoffs to absorb the costs, but the pressure keeps building. They’re realizing that short-term gains are leading to long-term losses, eroding the very foundations of American economic strength. This isn’t about political ideology; it’s about dollars and cents, about the future viability of their companies and the overall health of the economy. This is where they come in, where the rubber meets the road, in real-world consequences.
But what about the Business Roundtable? This is the perfect opportunity for these powerful voices to act as a unified front and advocate for their members. This silence is an indictment of their priorities. This is where this whole thing is frustrating, as those who have a voice, choose not to speak. A lack of public criticism creates an environment that enables further damage. The longer they wait to say anything, the worse things get.
And what of those who did support Trump? They donated, they lobbied, they played the game – all in the hopes of gaining favor and influence. Now, as they realize the game is rigged and they’re no longer needed, they’re facing the consequences of their choices. The truth is often bitter. Now, they find themselves out in the cold, realizing that they helped create an environment that no longer benefits them. The fact that they have come to that conclusion is not surprising.
These CEOs are starting to realize that the US is not that far away from people who threaten the administration from flying out windows. What can these powerful individuals do? They can’t just whisper their concerns, but they can stop the donations. They can use their immense wealth to influence politicians to push back. They have a voice that is heard, and they are choosing to use it.
The situation demands action. It requires an understanding that profits are not the only measure of success. It requires a willingness to defend the principles of a stable market and a functioning democracy, but also the power to change the current events. This is the time to make America into America again. It’s a call for courage, for a willingness to stand up for the values that have long defined this nation. The time to act is now. Don’t just complain behind closed doors; step forward and let your voice be heard.