{"id":88951,"date":"2025-04-04T19:52:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:22:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=88951"},"modified":"2025-04-04T19:52:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:22:42","slug":"united-ceo-praised-trump-tariff-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/04\/united-ceo-praised-trump-tariff-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"United CEO Praised Donald Trump’s New Tariff Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SAN FRANCISCO-<\/strong> Chicago-based United Airlines (UA)<\/a> CEO Scott Kirby offered measured praise for President Donald Trump’s controversial new tariff policy, describing the goals behind it as “laudable” despite potential economic concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a White House Rose Garden event, Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariff plan that would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports with higher rates for specific countries, set to take effect April 9, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Scott Kirby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United CEO Supports Trump Tariff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scott Kirby’s unexpected comments came during a United Airlines corporate event at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)<\/a>. While discussing United’s commitment to creating sustainable middle-class careers for employees, Kirby characterized Trump’s policy as representing a “genuine desire to create more careers” within the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Some may disagree with the way and tactics, but the goal I think is a laudable one,” Kirby stated during his remarks. When approached afterward by Matthew Klint from Live and Lets Fly<\/a><\/em>, he admitted he hadn’t planned to address the tariff policy \u2013 the comments emerged spontaneously, demonstrating Kirby’s reputation for candid communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These statements appear contradictory to United’s business interests, as the airline maintains extensive global operations that benefit from robust international trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic analysts note that Kirby himself has previously emphasized how airline revenue closely tracks GDP growth, making his support for policies that economists predict could reduce GDP by up to 200 basis points particularly perplexing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline’s apparent political adaptability may reflect pragmatic business considerations rather than economic conviction, flagged ViewfromtheWing<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With former Obama press secretary Josh Earnest serving as United’s Executive Vice President, the carrier maintains political connections across administrations. United previously donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, demonstrating its efforts to maintain positive relationships regardless of which party holds power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some analysts suggest Kirby’s unexpected endorsement may represent strategic positioning to secure favorable treatment from the current administration rather than genuine economic policy alignment, particularly as the tariffs face potential legal challenges under the Supreme Court’s major questions doctrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby Salary and Compensation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Trump White House Archived<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Understanding New Tariff Structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

President Trump’s tariff policy introduces a complex system of trade barriers that could significantly impact global commerce. The plan establishes a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, with substantially higher rates for certain nations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n