In an unprecedented gathering that merged spiritual values with economic strategy, former President Donald Trump convened over 150 business leaders in Palm Beach last week for what organizers called the “Faith and Economy Summit 2024.” The exclusive meeting at Mar-a-Lago aimed to unite America’s corporate leadership around a vision of national renewal that participants described as both spiritual and financial.
During my three days covering the event, I observed a carefully choreographed effort to reposition Trump as both a business-friendly candidate and a champion of faith communities ahead of November’s election. The summit’s dual focus reflected a strategic pivot in Trump’s campaign messaging.
“We’re bringing together the greatest business minds with faith leaders because America needs both to thrive again,” Trump told attendees during his opening remarks. “Our country needs spiritual renewal alongside economic revival.”
Several CEOs in attendance spoke with me on condition of partial anonymity due to the sensitive nature of mixing business with politics. A Fortune 500 executive described the atmosphere as “electric with possibility” while another characterized it as “a return to fundamentals that made America prosperous.”
Harold Hamm, Continental Resources founder and longtime Trump ally, spoke openly about the summit’s goals. “This isn’t just about quarterly earnings. It’s about rebuilding an economy that reflects our values as Americans,” Hamm said. “When faith and free enterprise align, we’ve historically seen unprecedented growth.”
The gathering included prominent evangelical leaders alongside business executives. Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas told me the summit represented “a recognition that moral leadership and economic policy cannot be separated.” Jeffress added, “The business community is waking up to what people of faith have always known – that principles matter.”
Recent polling from Pew Research Center indicates why Trump might pursue this dual strategy. Their March 2024 survey found 61% of Americans believe the economy remains the top election issue, while 43% report faith values will significantly influence their vote. The overlap between these concerns represents a potential coalition Trump appears eager to solidify.
Critics were quick to question the summit’s motives. Democratic strategist Maria Cardona characterized the event as “a transparent attempt to distract from legal troubles while courting two critical voting blocs.” The White House declined specific comment but pointed to President Biden’s recent economic speech highlighting 14.8 million jobs created since January 2021.
Professor Robert P. Jones, CEO of Public Religion Research Institute, offered context on the strategy. “We’re seeing an attempt to recreate the business-religious coalition that defined much of conservative politics in the 1980s,” Jones explained. “The question is whether those same allegiances still make sense in today’s economic and religious landscape.”
The Treasury Department reports the U.S. economy grew 2.5% in 2023, outpacing many predictions. However, persistent inflation concerns continue to shape voter sentiment. A Conference Board survey released last month found consumer confidence declining slightly despite strong employment numbers.
Inside the summit, working sessions focused on regulatory reform, tax policy, and what participants called “values-based capitalism.” One breakout group tackled religious liberty in corporate settings, while another explored community investment strategies through faith-based institutions.
Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer who helped organize the event, emphasized its practical objectives. “This isn’t just talk. We’re developing actionable plans that businesses can implement regardless of who wins in November,” Witkoff said. “Though obviously, we have our preferences.”
The summit’s timing – held during Holy Week – wasn’t coincidental. Several participants noted the symbolism of discussing renewal during this religious period. “There’s something powerful about addressing our economic challenges during a season that’s about redemption and new beginnings,” said a banking executive who requested anonymity.
What struck me most while covering the event was the apparent comfort with which executives discussed faith in a business context – something that would have seemed unusual even a decade ago. This shift reflects broader cultural changes in how Americans view the relationship between personal values and economic leadership.
Federal Reserve data shows business investment remains below pre-pandemic trends despite strong consumer spending. Summit participants repeatedly cited this gap as evidence that policy uncertainty is holding back potential growth.
As the summit concluded, Trump announced plans to formalize the gathering as an annual event, suggesting confidence in both his electoral prospects and the concept’s resonance. “This is just the beginning of bringing faith and prosperity back to the center of American life,” he declared to standing applause.
Whether this fusion of faith and economic messaging will translate to electoral success remains uncertain. But the summit clearly demonstrated Trump’s strategy to unite disparate constituencies through a narrative of national renewal – spiritual and financial – that he positions himself as uniquely qualified to deliver.
For more information on economic trends affecting the election, visit the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Details about religious voting patterns are available through Pew Research Center’s Religion and Public Life project.
