CEOs Urge Trump to Resolve Trade War Amid Economic Uncertainty

President Trump's sweeping tariffs, which target countries such as China with rates as high as 145%, have raised significant concern among American business leaders, who warn that the resulting uncertainty is dampening investment and could tip the U.S. into recession. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the tariffs as part of a broader economic plan, promising that tax cuts and deregulation would follow, but investors and CEOs remain anxious for clarity and speed in trade negotiations. Prominent executives from companies like Goldman Sachs, Walmart, and Target have publicly and privately urged Trump to reconsider the tariffs, citing disruptions to supply chains, rising consumer prices, and risks to small businesses. The business community's initial optimism for Trump's administration has shifted to skepticism and open criticism, as many now see the trade war as a source of volatility and economic contraction. This backlash has even included formerly supportive corporate figures, who argue that the administration's unpredictable policy changes hinder growth and threaten to bankrupt smaller enterprises.