Trump Demands Gratitude from Chevron as White House Seeks Corporate Donations
President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Chevron's CEO, Mike Wirth, for not sufficiently praising his administration's policies favoring fossil fuel companies. Trump took to his personal social media network to vent about Wirth's appearance on Fox Business, where he touted Chevron's success without mentioning the administration's role in it.
Trump claimed that Wirth 'conveniently forgot' to credit the administration for its support, saying that without them, the oil industry and the country would be 'dead.' He also criticized Chevron for potentially benefiting from his policies in Venezuela, where he had deposed President Nicolas Maduro. Trump stated that despite being thrown out of the country, Chevron is now bigger and stronger than ever before.
The incident highlights the administration's expectation of gratitude from corporations, particularly those that benefit from its policies. This has been reinforced by recent reports on the White House's open solicitation of donations, with some donors being asked for up to $50 million. Trump's advisor, Meredith O'Rourke, was instrumental in securing funds for his 'bribe palace ballroom' and has been described as a 'grifty fundraiser.'