Photographer Credit: Saud Abushaiqa
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — As former President Donald Trump emerged as the projected winner of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, international leaders and CEOs voiced their renewed optimism for the global economy. The sentiment was clear at the Future Investment Initiative (FII8) Summit in Riyadh, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center on October 30- a Trump administration represents stability, economic strength, and a return to traditional conservative values.
During the summit, a live poll among attendees — including world leaders, economists, and business executives — showed 67% in favor of Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. In a session titled “What Will Be the State of the Global Economy Post-U.S. Election?” experts discussed Trump’s potential influence on international trade, energy markets, and overall economic stability. Mark Penn – Stagwell Chairman & CEO., presented findings that “77% of global CEOs believe this election will impact the global economy, particularly through shifts in immigration policy, trade, and energy.”
Economic Stability Over Social Reform
Trump’s economic policies, known for deregulation and tax cuts, struck a chord among summit attendees, many of whom prioritized economic growth over social issues. According to Dr. Richard Haass, “U.S. CEOs are overwhelmingly in favor of a Trump-led economy. They believe his business-first approach will bring down inflation, keep interest rates steady, and foster an environment where businesses can thrive.” The polling reflected these sentiments, with 52% of American CEOs favoring Trump’s policies as opposed to Harris’s.
Photographer Credit: Saud Abushaiqa
The Democratic administration, criticized by many FII panelists for leaning heavily into progressive policies, was seen as creating instability at home and abroad. “We see a Trump administration as a stabilizing force,” noted one summit attendee, “one that focuses on strengthening America’s economic leadership without being distracted by social experimentation.” For many at the summit, a return to Trump’s conservative stance on global trade, regulatory policies, and corporate taxation is what they believe the U.S. — and the world — needs most right now.
Returning to Conservative Values
Throughout the summit, a recurring theme was the desire to move away from “wokeness” in U.S. policy. Attendees argued that while progressive agendas may have traction domestically, they could lead to instability in the international arena. “America’s drift into social divisions has worried global leaders who prioritize order over cultural shifts,” observed Dr. Jacques Attali. The alignment with Trump’s conservative agenda, attendees suggested, represents a shared hope for a stronger, more predictable America that aligns with traditional values.
Photographer Credit: Saud Abushaiqa
A “Return to Normalcy” in the World Economy
For the international business community, Trump’s victory signals a return to normalcy after years of global economic turbulence. Penn’s survey data echoed this sentiment, with 77% of CEOs predicting a positive impact on global markets under Trump’s leadership. Many business leaders at the summit expressed that a Trump-led America would drive down corporate taxes, encourage investment, and open pathways for economic cooperation that have been strained in recent years. According to Haass, Trump’s approach could “reduce inflationary pressures, boost the dollar’s value, and restore confidence in the markets.”
The FII panel on a post-election global economy suggested that a Trump presidency might also bring clarity to America’s role in managing energy crises and international trade conflicts. “The world has been holding its breath, waiting for America to reclaim its economic leadership,” remarked a CEO during the session. “Trump’s win is the step towards the stable, economically focused America that the world wants to see.”
With Trump’s projected return to the White House, many leaders at the FII8 summit expressed hope that his presidency would strengthen international ties and set the U.S. and global economies on a prosperous course. In their view, the next four years could very well mark a historic shift toward unity, stability, and economic growth.
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