CNBC anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin says many American CEOs are afraid to publicly criticize President Donald Trump because they fear political retaliation from the administration.
Sorkin made the comments during an appearance on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” where he discussed his book about the 1929 Wall Street crash and warned about risks building in the modern economy.
According to Sorkin, corporate leaders are increasingly cautious about speaking out on political issues because they worry their companies could face consequences.
He said CEOs fear being publicly attacked, facing tougher regulation, or having major business deals blocked by federal agencies if they criticize the administration.
TRENDING TODAY
Sorkin argued that this fear has created a chilling effect inside corporate America, where executives may privately disagree with certain policies but avoid saying so publicly.
His comments come as the stock market remains a major political issue for Trump, who often points to market performance as evidence of economic strength.
During the interview, CBS correspondent Lesley Stahl asked whether investors should feel reassured because Trump closely ties his political success to the stock market and would likely try to prevent a major collapse.
Sorkin said he does not believe that guarantees long-term stability.
He warned that financial panics can happen quickly once confidence disappears.
Sorkin also raised concerns about what he sees as an artificial intelligence-driven market bubble and a weakening of financial safeguards put in place after previous crises.
He compared today’s speculative environment to parts of the period leading up to the 1929 crash, though he did not say a crash is imminent.
When asked whether a collapse like 1929 could happen again, Sorkin said the market will eventually experience a crash, though he could not predict when it would happen or how severe it would be.
His warning adds to a growing debate about whether current market gains are sustainable as investors pour money into AI-related companies and as political pressure shapes corporate decision-making.
Supporters of Trump argue the administration’s economic policies have helped fuel business confidence, investment and market growth.
Critics argue that fear of political retaliation could discourage corporate leaders from speaking honestly about risks in the economy.
Why It Matters
The comments highlight two major concerns at once: whether corporate America feels free to challenge the White House, and whether investor enthusiasm around AI and deregulation is creating financial risks. If CEOs are afraid to speak openly, warnings about economic problems may come too late.
What Comes Next
Sorkin’s remarks are likely to fuel debate on Wall Street, especially as investors continue watching AI valuations, interest rates, regulation and Trump’s economic policies. The key question is whether current market optimism reflects real growth or another speculative bubble.
ANDREW ROSS SORKIN ON WHAT’S COMING FOR MARKETS 👀
“We will have a crash. I don’t know when. I don’t know how deep it will be. But we will have a crash.”
“When I wrote my book on the 1929 crash, I learned that nobody saw it coming.. pic.twitter.com/NpTh6osvzf
Or at least they…— WOLF Bitcoin (@WOLF_Bitcoin_) May 25, 2026
