Despite a blistering barrage of recent criticism from investors, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt isn’t shying away from sharing his vision for the future of GE. In a recent speech, Immelt made it clear that he believes US companies need to step up and change their attitude if they hope to compete with foreign firms.
“(They need to) stop complaining and start competing,” Immelt said, in response to recent comments about how American companies are struggling to compete with overseas competition. Immelt did admit that the current free trade culture hadn’t really worked out for everyone, but, he said, isolationism isn’t the answer: “The systems of free trade haven't worked for enough people… But protectionism is not the answer. It makes us look weak, not strong.”
The GE CEO is talking about the optics of American companies that seem to be complaining rather than acting. He seems to think using the current global economic condition to excuse poor relative performance by American firms is little more than whining. So, is Immelt just dumping on US business leaders, or does he have some productive suggestions? Turns out, yes.
Immelt believes America should not withdraw from trade deals, but they should “modernize and improve” current deals. He also wants Congress to reduce regulation on domestic businesses, reform the tax code and boost infrastructure investment. And about NAFTA, which has been much maligned by the President, Immelt says it should be renegotiated with an emphasis on lowering energy costs across the board for all three nations.
These comments came in response to questions about China’s emerging role in global business. Immelt suggested China is doing well and increasing influence in global markets because that country has focused on global trade and investment while the US is threatening to become more isolated and nationalist in its business policies, especially at the political level.
In the past, Immelt has not been shy about speaking out against what he perceives to be President Trump’s isolationist tendencies, especially the notion of a border wall. He believes American companies should be leading the way on innovation and growth, being a beacon for the rest of the world to follow. Laudable goals, certainly, but as he is sharing this vision, Immelt needs to be sure his own footing at GE is sure and secure. Little has been done since the criticism from the investors earlier this year, and, while it’s somewhat subsided, the discontent at one of America’s biggest companies continues to simmer.PR Insights & Public Relations Strategy
By EPR Editorial Team2 min read
GE CEO Makes a Bold Political Statement
By EPR Editorial Team2 min read
Despite a blistering barrage of recent criticism from investors, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt isn’t shying away from sharing his vision for the future of GE. In a recent speech, Immelt made it clear that he believes US companies need to step up and change their attitude if they hope to compete with foreign firms.
“(They need to) stop complaining and start competing,” Immelt said, in response to recent comments about how American companies are struggling to compete with overseas competition. Immelt did admit that the current free trade culture hadn’t really worked out for everyone, but, he said, isolationism isn’t the answer: “The systems of free trade haven't worked for enough people… But protectionism is not the answer. It makes us look weak, not strong.”
The GE CEO is talking about the optics of American companies that seem to be complaining rather than acting. He seems to think using the current global economic condition to excuse poor relative performance by American firms is little more than whining. So, is Immelt just dumping on US business leaders, or does he have some productive suggestions? Turns out, yes.
Immelt believes America should not withdraw from trade deals, but they should “modernize and improve” current deals. He also wants Congress to reduce regulation on domestic businesses, reform the tax code and boost infrastructure investment. And about NAFTA, which has been much maligned by the President, Immelt says it should be renegotiated with an emphasis on lowering energy costs across the board for all three nations.
These comments came in response to questions about China’s emerging role in global business. Immelt suggested China is doing well and increasing influence in global markets because that country has focused on global trade and investment while the US is threatening to become more isolated and nationalist in its business policies, especially at the political level.
In the past, Immelt has not been shy about speaking out against what he perceives to be President Trump’s isolationist tendencies, especially the notion of a border wall. He believes American companies should be leading the way on innovation and growth, being a beacon for the rest of the world to follow. Laudable goals, certainly, but as he is sharing this vision, Immelt needs to be sure his own footing at GE is sure and secure. Little has been done since the criticism from the investors earlier this year, and, while it’s somewhat subsided, the discontent at one of America’s biggest companies continues to simmer.Written by
EPR Editorial Team
EPR Editorial Team - Author at Everything Public Relations
Other news
See all
EPR Editorial Team · 05/12/2026
The Crisis Comms Playbook for the AI-Compressed Attack
AI-assisted attacks have compressed cyber incident timelines from days to hours, breaking traditional crisis communication playbooks. A new, pre-built playbook is needed to handle the speed and the SEC's 96-hour clock.
EPR Editorial Team · 05/12/2026
Mandiant vs. CrowdStrike: How Forensic Vendor Selection Shapes Breach Narratives
The choice of a forensic incident response firm like Mandiant or CrowdStrike is a strategic communications decision that shapes the public narrative of a data breach. The vendor's brand halo is often attributed to the story.
EPR Editorial Team · 05/12/2026
Why Cyber Insurance Carriers Now Vet Your Communications Plan
Cyber insurance underwriters now scrutinize a company's crisis communications readiness, including playbooks and media training. Documented comms readiness can lower premiums by 12-22%.
Never Miss a Headline
Daily PR headlines, weekly long-form analysis, and our proprietary research drops — straight to your inbox.