CEOs are trying to deal with Trump — without becoming targets

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told business leaders to get on board with 'MAGA' The first months of Trump ’s second term have posed unexpected challenges for many corporate leaders.

Executives who had soured on Biden 's administration largely expressed optimism when Trump took office.

Some executives are taking a cautious approach with the White House , with some giving the president credit for major domestic investments.

The pharmaceutical industry also has sought to raise its concerns about tariffs with lawmakers and officials at every level of the administration.

Trump suggested that he might exempt the energy sector from new tariffs, two people said.

Trump has a long history of singling out perceived corporate opponents.

Some tech leaders have sought to build better ties with Trump .

Meta and X recently settled lawsuits challenging their decisions to suspend Trump ’s social media accounts in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 , attack on the U.S. Capitol .

Meta agreed to donate millions to the fund for his presidential library.

X, which Musk bought in 2022 , agreed to pay $10 million in exchange for Trump dropping the lawsuit.