Trump and Biden Woo Top CEOs in Washington Ahead of November Election

Notable attendees seen exiting the building included JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Xerox CEO Steven Bandrowczak, Gap Inc President Richard Dickson, and Truist CEO Bill Rogers.

On Thursday, U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Jeff Zients, President Joe Biden’s White House chief of staff, met with top American business leaders in Washington.

The aim was to garner support from corporate America ahead of the upcoming elections, according to sources.

Trump participated in an interview with conservative commentator Larry Kudlow, who served as a key economic adviser during Trump’s previous term from 2017 to 2021.

Notable attendees seen exiting the building included JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Xerox CEO Steven Bandrowczak, Gap Inc President Richard Dickson, and Truist CEO Bill Rogers.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was spotted in the front row, as noted by Trump economic advisor Stephen Moore.

The meeting with the Business Roundtable, which includes over 200 CEOs, focused on the economy.

Moore mentioned that Trump delivered “a very pro-business message,” highlighting tax cuts for businesses and reducing regulations.

Both candidates are intensifying efforts to court influential corporate CEOs as the election approaches.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll in May showed that 44% of registered voters believed Trump had a better economic plan compared to 33% who supported Biden’s strategy.

The Biden campaign emphasized economic improvements under the current administration, criticizing Trump’s economic proposals and his past performance.

Regarding key economic issues, Biden and Trump have significant differences.

Biden has prioritized environmental protection, creating incentives for electric vehicles and pausing approvals for new liquefied natural gas export projects.

Trump, who has criticized these measures, emphasized his priority to “unleash American energy” if re-elected. Moore stated that “We are playing into the hands of China, Russia, and OPEC by not producing more.”

During his term, Trump reduced the top corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, cuts he intends to make permanent.

Conversely, Biden proposes increasing the top rate for large corporations to 28%.

Both candidates have used tariffs to protect U.S. industry, with Trump proposing a 10% duty on all imports.

Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump’s America First economic program will deliver middle class tax cuts, record-setting regulation cuts, fair trade, abundant energy, low inflation, better wages, and a restoration of the rule of law in America.”

Trump is also scheduled to speak to Senate and House Republicans in Washington, focusing on policy priorities for a potential second term.

The Business Roundtable often invites presidential candidates to speak during election years.

Despite previous corporate distancing after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, some business leaders, such as Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, have expressed renewed support for Trump in this election cycle.