At CEO Forum In Washington, Little Support For Trump Economic Policies
Summary
The annual Yale CEO Caucus in Washington gathered many of America’s top business leaders for off-the-record discussion and polling. Informal survey results revealed broad private scepticism about President Trump’s economic moves nine months into his second term — notably his pressure on the Federal Reserve and the administration’s tariff programme. CEOs reported feeling the tariffs have harmed their businesses and that Fed independence has been eroded. The poll also covered views on the global AI race, investment in domestic manufacturing and the TikTok transaction.
Key Points
- 80% of CEOs said Trump pressing Fed Chair Powell to cut rates was not in America’s best interest.
- 71% believe the independence of the Federal Reserve has been eroded by the administration.
- 71% said White House tariff policies have hurt their businesses; 46% said domestic importers are footing the bill and 30% pointed to U.S. consumers.
- 73% said U.S. free‑market capitalism can compete with China in the global AI race.
- Only 38% are investing more in domestic manufacturing/infrastructure since ‘Liberation Day’; 59% expect no results from tariff‑driven capital investments.
- 74% agree the courts were correct that the tariffs were illegal as executed.
- 80% view the TikTok deal as a national security threat; 78% said an Oracle/Silver Lake/Andreessen Horowitz win could boost Larry Ellison’s media power.
Why should I read this?
CEOs don’t shout this from the rooftops — they tell it privately. If you need a quick read to understand how top executives really feel about tariffs, Fed pressure and tech deals, this is the shorthand: they’re worried, they’re sceptical, and many aren’t expecting the tariff strategy to pay off. Saves you the time of sifting through weekend conference chatter.
Author style
Punchy: the piece distils private CEO sentiment into clear poll results. If you care about how major firms will react to policy — hiring, investment and supply‑chain decisions — the details matter. This summary flags the bits most likely to affect corporate strategy and market expectations.
Context and relevance
Why it matters: CEO views often foreshadow corporate behaviour — where companies invest, hire and lobby. The combination of concern about Fed independence and evidence tariffs are being absorbed domestically (by importers and consumers) suggests potential downside for growth, margins and consumer prices. The polling on AI and TikTok also signals where leaders see strategic risks and competitive priorities. For policymakers, investors and senior executives, these takeaways are timely for planning risk and opportunity.