During the 2026 State of American Business , U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark delivered a powerful keynote address from Washington, D.C., calling for the embrace of free market principles to drive economic growth and opportunity as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
- The state of American business must be “growth-oriented, market-driven, future-focused—but above all, fearless,” Clark said.
Why it matters: Clark emphasized that reaching and sustaining 3% economic growth is the fastest way to improve living standards for all Americans.
- “Making pro-growth policy choices will begin to alleviate the pressures and frustrations people are feeling today and ensure future generations of Americans enjoy security, mobility, and opportunity,” Clark said.
Key takeaways: - Free enterprise is the solution: Clark highlighted that free enterprise enables businesses to respond to people and solve problems, contrasting it with fear-based alternatives like government control and redistribution.
- A vision for the future: Clark called on leaders to focus on sustained growth through investments in education, R&D, and infrastructure, ensuring a brighter future for the next 50 years.
What they’re saying: Top business leaders at the event echoed the importance of economic growth and economic freedom.
- “Growth is much more than a statistic—it’s the speed at which people’s quality of life improves,” said Ross Perot Jr. , Chair of the U.S. Chamber and Founder and Chairman of Hillwood.
- “Go free enterprise!” said JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon , adding that had America’s economy grown 3% annually from 2000 to 2020, GDP per person would be $20,000 higher today.
- “I’m optimistic about this year,” said Christopher Nassetta , President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton to David Rubenstein , the Carlyle Group Co-Chairman. “Inflation is continuing to come down, rates are coming down, you’re in probably one of the biggest deregulatory environments that we’ve seen in a long time, tax policy is fixed and favorable for a few years, and you’re in the windup to one of the great productivity booms driven by AI.”
Bottom line: The U.S. Chamber’s fearless vision is a rallying cry. As Clark said, “I believe this can be a moment when we all decide it’s time to renew that spirit of daring, striving, growing, and improving.” |
