Bernard Arnault on Donald Trump

Bernard Arnault, the head of the luxury goods empire LVMH, has actively nurtured connections with the circle surrounding Donald Trump, adopting a transactional approach to safeguard his business interests, particularly against potential trade wars. This strategy included significant investments in the United States, such as opening a Louis Vuitton production facility in Texas, which the former President attended in 2019. Arnault also capitalized on his existing relationship, stretching back to before Trump’s first term, to secure favorable meetings and maintain political cover for LVMH, which draws a significant portion of its revenue from U.S. sales.

This calculated positioning became particularly relevant during periods of heightened trans-Atlantic trade tensions, as LVMH risked severe impact from proposed tariffs, especially on alcohol products. While some European business leaders voiced opposition to the former President's policies, Arnault opted to secure his empire through direct engagement and tangible U.S. investment, even having family members maintain ties and LVMH lease property from a Trump Organization entity. This stance reflects a priority on business continuity over public political alignment, a pattern established early in Trump's political career.