New Data Confirms CEOs Are Getting Friendlier Toward Trump

The business world is excited about what a new Trump administration could mean for the economy. (Axios)

A new survey from Teneo, a global advisory firm: 77% of CEOs expect the global economy to improve in early 2025, up from 45% who said the same in 2024.

• 64% of CEOs believe Trump’s policy shifts (tariffs, tax rollbacks, and deregulation) will positively impact their businesses in 2025.

• 80% expect a stronger U.S. dollar.

The trend: 91% of CEOs say they’re adjusting their environmental, social and governance initiatives in 2025 in response to ESG becoming a politically controversial issue.

• That’s up from 72% of CEOs in 2024.

• 23% of CEOs say they’re ramping down ESG initiatives in 2025, up from 8% a year prior.

Bubba’s Two Cents

When Trump first took office nearly a decade ago, his outsider status and provocative rhetoric scared off many top executives.

But as Trump’s image has become less radioactive, even longtime critics in the business world, like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon have somewhat come around on the president-elect. The narrative of Trump as a scary, untouchable political figure has largely been defeated in the eyes of the public. That gives CEOs the green light to do business with the guy.