Former President Donald Trump is set to attend a private meeting with the Business Roundtable, one of the most powerful business lobbying groups in Washington, on June 13. This meeting comes as Trump aims to craft an alliance with major corporate leaders, potentially drawing in over 200 CEOs who are members of the Business Roundtable.
The Business Roundtable extended an invitation to President Joe Biden for the plenary meeting on June 13, but he will be unable to attend due to overseas travel for a G7 meeting. In his absence, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients will represent the administration at the meeting. The meeting is off the record and closed to the press, and Trump’s team has confirmed his attendance, though a spokesperson for the Trump campaign declined to comment on the matter.
While the Business Roundtable has shown support for Trump’s tax cuts, it has taken issue with his policy tariffs on Chinese products. Some members of the group resigned from the White House’s business advisory councils in 2017 following the white nationalist attack in Charlottesville, Virginia. However, even after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, the Business Roundtable condemned the attack and called on Trump to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
Despite differences with some members of the Business Roundtable and other business leaders, Trump has continued to court wealthy individuals for support. Susie Wiles, a senior campaign adviser for Trump, spoke to a group of powerful Republican megadonors in Florida in January, advocating for their support. Even after Trump’s recent conviction in New York, Republican-leaning business leaders have shrugged off the verdict and shown continued support for the former president.
The private meeting between former President Trump and the Business Roundtable could be a pivotal moment for Trump as he seeks to garner support and donations for a potential presidential campaign. With major corporate leaders in attendance, Trump may be able to make his case for tax cuts and tariffs, as well as address any lingering concerns about his past actions and policies.
Overall, the meeting signifies a continued effort by Trump to maintain relationships with powerful business figures, despite past controversies and disagreements.
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