CEO Rebukes Davos Push for Trump Soundbite (Full Transcript)
[00:00:00] Speaker 1: So you're a man with many strong opinions, we've heard that in the last few minutes. A man not afraid to tell us about those opinions. But I was struck when we were talking about President Trump, you were very, very careful. And you are one of the more outspoken, just let me finish, just let me finish. You are one of the more outspoken business leaders. I am struck, I'm genuinely struck by the unwillingness of CEOs in America to say anything critical. There is a climate of fear in your country. Would you agree with that? And what should be done about it?
[00:00:30] Speaker 2: This is the Davos intellectual elite. You know, I've been coming to Davos all these years and listening to chatter and stuff like that. He didn't do a particularly good job making the world a better place. I think it's great we get together and talk. But the part that you want me to do, this is... I want you to answer my question. It's not hard. You may want a one-line line that gets...
[00:00:49] Speaker 1: No, I don't. Jamie, that's not true. I'm genuinely... I've asked you this question off-camera.
[00:00:53] Speaker 2: I have made it clear, I want a stronger NATO, a stronger Europe. Some of the things Trump has done are causing that, some are not. I'm not a tariff guy, though I'd use it in the eight cases I had. I think they should change their approach to immigration. I've said it. What the hell else do you want me to say? Is there a climate of fear? I think that is completely clear. You know, hey, ready? You can... Here's your headline. I'm a globalist.
[00:01:16] Speaker 1: I'm not looking for a headline.
- The interviewer argues there is a climate of fear among U.S. CEOs about criticizing President Trump.
- The CEO refuses to deliver a simple anti-Trump soundbite and challenges Davos' perceived effectiveness.
- He states support for stronger NATO and Europe, noting some Trump actions contribute to that goal.
- He opposes broad tariffs, allowing for limited, case-specific use.
- He calls for changes in immigration policy and acknowledges the underlying tension is obvious.
- He sarcastically provides a headline: identifying as a globalist.