Editor’s Note
This article reports on a recently disclosed meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault at the White House. The timing, following LVMH’s announcement of a sales decline attributed to U.S. tariffs, makes the discussion a notable point of interest for the business and policy communities.
It has been belatedly revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump invited Bernard Arnault, Chairman of LVMH, to the White House. The meeting, which took place on May 6, is drawing particular attention as it followed LVMH’s announcement of a sales decline this year due to U.S. tariff policies.
Fluctuations in Trump’s tariff policies have been shaking the global economy. In the first quarter of 2025, LVMH’s sales decreased by 2% to 20.3 billion euros (23 billion dollars). Notably, a quarter of the LVMH group’s total sales come from the United States, making it particularly vulnerable to tariffs.
Chairman Arnault and his two children attended President Trump’s inauguration in January as key figures. The Arnaults also attended a White House event related to preparations for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Furthermore, Tiffany, a subsidiary of LVMH, designed the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the United States in 2026.