In an essay titled “I Know What America’s Leading CEOs Really Think of Donald Trump,” Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, president of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, has refuted the claim made by Republicans that Donald Trump is regaining the support of the country’s CEOs ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
According to Sonnenfeld, individuals like Steve Schwarzman and David Sacks who have backed Trump are exceptions rather than the norm. He pointed out that not a single Fortune 100 CEO has contributed to his campaign so far this year, which is a critical indication of the lack of enthusiasm for Trump among corporate America.
Sonnenfeld emphasized that chief executives typically prioritize investing in regions with a strong rule of law rather than where rulers dictate the law. His analysis came in response to significant donations made to Trump’s campaign by billionaires like Timothy Mellon and Liz and Dick Uihlein.
Trump’s campaign fundraising surpassed that of Biden’s in May 2024 by more than $60 million, with a substantial portion of contributions pouring in after his conviction in the hush money trial. However, Sonnenfeld’s essay sheds light on the sentiments and reservations of America’s leading CEOs towards Trump’s potential return to power.
