Priebus on engaging with DC: Play by the rules, you lose
BMO U.S. CEO Darrel Hackett pictured with former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus at the Eurasia Group U.S.-Canada Summit on Oct. 8. / MEANS & WAYS PHOTO
TORONTO—Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus urged North American business leaders to take a proactive approach to government relations, warning that companies that stay on the sidelines risk losing influence in Washington’s fast-changing policy landscape.
Priebus, speaking at the U.S.-Canada Summit hosted by Eurasia Group on Oct. 8 in Toronto, said Canadians must engage their decision makers in the U.S. if they want to see results. “You cannot function in the United States without engaging.”
While many companies assume others will handle political advocacy, direct engagement with federal agencies remains critical, Priebus said in a discussion with BMO U.S. CEO Darrel Hackett. “Go to Washington, D.C. Get involved in associations that represent you … go to meetings with cabinet secretaries, with the White House personnel and explain to the USTR, explain to the Treasury, explain to the White House what is the effect of certain tariffs that are taking place, and what is your solution for resolving.”
He had some unorthodox advice for those trying to be heard in Washington. “If the president listens to a chorus, you better be one of the voices in the crowd. And a lot of times, people who play by the rules in Washington, DC, they lose. So if you play by the rules, you’re going to lose.”
‘Big opportunities’
Priebus identified technology, artificial intelligence and domestic manufacturing as key growth sectors under the current administration. “The big opportunities are AI, tech, supply chain, reshoring things into the supply chain that can be reshored in the United States,” he said. He noted that such efforts would be supported by “a lot of tax credits.”
He emphasized that firms willing to make their case directly to policymakers could benefit most. “A lot can happen very quickly,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in the first Trump administration, Priebus said the current iteration of the team is “more cohesive.”
“There's a big difference between Trump 1.0 and 2.0 you know? We were running and building the plane while we were flying. But the President had four years to think about all the things he wanted to do and didn't do,” he said. “In the first term we fought with each other before decisions were made, and I think, now the President just makes a decision because he knows what he wants to do, and he just does it. … The President is confident enough to make a decision and say this is what we're doing, go figure it out.”
Division pays
He noted that the political and media system are fueled by division, click bait, getting likes and views on social media and it’s difficult to cut through the noise. “I'm sure you see your share of it in Canada, and I know a lot of people around the world see the same thing I do, and so it is a huge challenge ahead of us. How do we govern, how do we move ahead as a country? I don't know what the answer is.”
Deepening political division has become a structural feature of American politics, which Priebus said was a major challenge. “In the media today, division is pure profit. Unity is a loser.”
Despite the political turbulence, Priebus said he remains optimistic about the U.S. economy. “I think that some of this nervousness that you all might have a little bit is going to go away,” he said. “If you look at GDP, you look at the stock market, you look at wage growth … I feel good about where we’re heading.”
He also struck a positive note on cross-border relations. “The United States is your biggest customer,” Priebus reminded the audience. “Avoid getting caught up in the noise … [and] focus on the good things that we have in common. And I think the United States will do the same. We're friends, people. You all are our best friends in the world. We all know that I think everyone in D.C. knows that it's no secret.”
