Why isn’t corporate America standing up to Trump?

Corporate America is navigating a disruptive second term for President Trump characterized by blurred lines between business and government. While profits and stock markets remain high, the administration is exerting unprecedented pressure on private firms, including demanding stakes in tech companies, capping interest rates, and suing JPMorgan Chase following Jamie Dimon’s public criticism of economic policies. This environment has fostered a climate of "crony capitalism," where business success increasingly depends on political favor rather than market competition. Despite private anxieties—with 84% of business leaders worried about the current political climate—most executives are opting for public silence or performative loyalty to avoid retaliation. This retreat from defending free-market principles suggests a shift toward a system where personalized, chaotic decision-making replaces stable regulatory frameworks, leaving corporate leaders to weigh the immediate benefits of tax cuts against the long-term risks of institutional instability.