Business
CEO Claims Trump’s Tariffs Could Boost Company Profits
By Jake Beardslee · April 25, 2025

Trump's Tariffs Spark Economic Concerns, But CEO Sees Profit Potential
While President Donald Trump's tariffs have sparked concerns about economic consequences, particularly in terms of rising prices and a potential recession, one CEO believes they might benefit his company. The White House / Wikimedia
ServiceNow CEO Sees Opportunity in Tariffs, Promotes Cost-Cutting Solutions
ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott expressed optimism, suggesting that the tariffs may push businesses to seek out cost-cutting solutions like his company’s AI-powered workflow automation. @BillRMcDermott / X
ServiceNow CEO Says Economic Uncertainty Driving Demand for Efficiency Tools
McDermott, whose company focuses on streamlining IT operations, told Fortune that as businesses grapple with economic uncertainty, many are looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency. "Companies have uncertainty in the global economy, which is why they're looking at their [operating expenses], they're looking at their margin profile, and they're very focused on efficiency and effectiveness," he said. He added that ServiceNow's ability to help businesses quickly cut costs and improve ROI makes the company an appealing option during such turbulent times. @BillRMcDermott / X
ServiceNow Stock Rebounds After Initial Drop, CEO Optimistic Despite Market Concerns
Despite ServiceNow's 6% drop in stock value following Trump's tariff announcements, the company has since seen a 21% rebound, indicating some confidence in its prospects despite broader economic concerns. However, the general CEO sentiment remains skeptical, with a poll revealing that 67% of CEOs do not support the tariffs, and only 12% believe they would benefit businesses. Donny Gonzo / Wikimedia
Labor Unions Back Tariffs, But Public Opinion Remains Divided
While some labor unions, like the Teamsters, have backed the tariffs, claiming they would bring jobs back to the U.S., public opinion on the tariffs is largely negative. A recent YouGov/The Economist poll showed 50% of Americans view the tariffs as harmful to the economy, while a smaller segment (39%) believes they could lead to long-term growth. A separate AP/NORC poll found that 52% of Americans oppose the tariffs. The White House / Wikimedia