Staff Reports
President Trump recently reassured America’s corporate heavyweights that his tariff plan is poised to be a major victory for the United States, attempting to quell their anxiety about a potential economic downturn. At a gathering hosted by the Business Roundtable—an exclusive club featuring the CEOs of industry giants such as Apple and Walmart—Trump feverishly promoted recent corporate investments in America, suggesting that these decisions stemmed from his tough stance on tariffs.
While addressing the business elite, Trump emphasized the renewed vigor in the American economy, linking it directly to his tariff policy. His argument suggests that companies such as IBM and Apple prefer to invest stateside to avoid paying hefty tariffs, making it abundantly clear that the more expensive the tariffs, the more likely these corporations are to establish operations in the U.S. According to Trump, the ultimate goal isn’t the tariffs themselves, but rather the jobs created as a result of companies relocating back to America, transforming it into a nationwide jobs extravaganza.
Despite his optimistic view of the tariffs as pathways to prosperity, recent responses from the Business Roundtable reveal a stark contrast in sentiment. A poll from Chief Executive Magazine indicated that CEO confidence regarding American business conditions is at a dismal low, with many attributing this pessimism to the murky waters of tariff uncertainty. Apparently, many in the business world are more worried about a trade war than the President is. Who knew that CEOs might want a bit more clarity beyond just “trust me”?
President Trump told America's business titans that his tariff plan would be a "big win" for the U.S., trying to calm their fears that an economic downturn was on the horizon. https://t.co/SfbFuk7l75
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 11, 2025
This meeting surfaced as financial markets experienced a tumultuous rollercoaster ride, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging by over 700 points before a slight recovery. Wall Street has been increasingly on edge due to Trump’s unpredictable tariff tactics, particularly regarding trade relations with Canada and Mexico. Yet Trump remains unfazed by calls for straightforwardness, brushing off concerns that his fluctuating tariff plans could trigger an all-out trade conflict.
In a display of his trademark tenacity, Trump issued a bold warning to Canada regarding the already hefty tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. After an Ontario official decided to slap a surcharge on electricity sold to U.S. communities, Trump wasn’t shy about retaliating. However, when that Canadian official backtracked, it resulted in a temporary cooling of tensions and a decision to keep the steel tariff intact at 25%. Meanwhile, amidst this chaos, China unleashed its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods, leaving global leaders on high alert as they wait to see how Trump’s own promised reciprocal tariffs unfold.
When asked on Fox News whether a recession loomed on the horizon, Trump chose his words carefully, revealing his distaste for making predictions. His reluctance to jump to conclusions seems just like his tariff strategy—keeping everyone guessing while maintaining a poker face, but with all the best cards in his hand.
