US Bank Leaders Meet with Commerce Secretary to Discuss Trump's Tariff Plans

​Executives from the largest banks in the United States convened with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last week to discuss President Donald Trump's recently announced tariff plans. The meeting, hosted by the Financial Services Forum, an industry lobbying group, took place in Washington on Thursday, a day after the tariffs were announced.

Sources familiar with the meeting indicated that Lutnick discussed the administration's tariff strategy, and the bank CEOs had the opportunity to ask questions.

A spokesperson for the Financial Services Forum confirmed the meeting, stating that the executives "meet regularly with policymakers to discuss a range of issues, including the strength and resiliency of the nation's largest banks, and the need for appropriate policy and regulation to support economic growth and job creation." An administration official also confirmed the meeting.

The discussion between Secretary Lutnick and the heads of the nation's eight largest banks reportedly lasted approximately half an hour. This meeting occurred in the immediate aftermath of President Trump's announcement of sweeping global tariffs, which triggered a significant selloff on Wall Street.

Notably, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who was present at the meeting, had previously warned in his annual letter to shareholders on Monday about the potential for "lasting negative consequences" stemming from tariffs.