US business leaders back Trump's remedy for 'very sick' economy

US Business Leaders Back Trump’s Remedy for ‘Very Sick’ Economy

“He’s definitely putting business first,” experts say of Trump’s economy in nearly first 100 days

By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR

As President Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his administration, business leaders across the country are beginning to weigh in on his early economic performance — and many are giving it a cautious but hopeful thumbs-up.

While critics have pointed to political turbulence, policy reversals, and a slower-than-expected legislative pace, a chorus of voices from Wall Street to Main Street argue that Trump’s pro-business agenda has injected new optimism into an economy long burdened by regulation, sluggish growth, and what the president has repeatedly called a "very sick" system.

“Trump is clearly trying to administer a remedy for what he sees as an over-regulated, underperforming economy,” says Linda Carver, a senior analyst at the Center for Economic Policy. “He’s definitely putting business first — and for a lot of CEOs, that’s music to their ears.”

Confidence Surge on Main Street

Small business optimism soared following Trump’s election, reaching its highest level in over a decade, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Business owners cite expectations of tax reform, deregulation, and a more business-friendly climate as driving forces behind their renewed confidence.

“From day one, we’ve seen a shift,” says Daniel Moreno, who runs a family-owned manufacturing firm in Ohio. “Just the promise of cutting red tape has given us breathing room. We’re finally talking about expansion again.”

Indeed, Trump’s early executive orders — aimed at slashing federal regulations, reopening energy projects, and renegotiating trade deals — have been heralded by many in the private sector as long-overdue course corrections.

“America is open for business again,” Vice President Mike Pence said at a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon, echoing the administration’s core economic message.

Tax Reform and Regulatory Rollback

Perhaps the most anticipated element of Trump’s economic “medicine” is the promise of sweeping tax reform. The White House has proposed significant corporate tax cuts — from 35% to as low as 15% — a move aimed at incentivizing investment and repatriating trillions in overseas profits.

“The tax code is a monster,” says Jim Riley, CEO of a mid-sized logistics company in Texas. “If Trump can simplify it and bring our rates in line with global competitors, that alone would be a game changer.”

At the same time, Trump has issued multiple executive orders aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, including a rule that requires agencies to eliminate two existing regulations for every new one introduced.

While critics argue that deregulation could harm consumer protections and environmental safeguards, business advocates say the current compliance costs stifle innovation and expansion.

“Regulation is a hidden tax,” argues Karen Li, an economist at the Heritage Foundation. “Trump’s message is clear: Let businesses run their businesses.”

Mixed Results on Jobs and Trade

Despite the positive sentiment among business leaders, some areas of Trump’s economic strategy remain a work in progress. Job growth, while steady, has yet to show a dramatic surge. Meanwhile, trade policy — a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign — has seen fits and starts.

The decision to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), coupled with threats to renegotiate or exit NAFTA, has left some industries uncertain about the future.

“We support fair trade,” says John Parkhurst, president of an Iowa-based agricultural export firm. “But we also need stability. Unpredictable trade policies could hurt farmers and manufacturers alike.”

Markets Respond, But Questions Linger

Wall Street has generally responded well to Trump’s early economic agenda, with markets rallying in the weeks following his election. However, volatility has increased as investors await concrete legislative action on tax reform and infrastructure spending.

“There’s optimism, but also anxiety,” says Rachel Kim, chief market strategist at Horizon Capital. “If the administration can’t deliver on its promises, that could spook markets and business leaders alike.”

The Verdict So Far

As Trump nears the symbolic 100-day milestone, the full effects of his economic plan remain to be seen. But among America’s business community, the early sentiment is cautiously optimistic.

“Trump’s approach isn’t traditional, and that makes some people nervous,” says Carver. “But if his goal is to revive the economy by unleashing the private sector — then yes, he’s putting business first.”

Whether that prescription proves to be the right medicine for Main Street will depend not just on policy — but on results.