Trump's Press Conference Was a TV Commercial

During his press conference and TV commercial on March 13, Trump said, "I just had a phone call with very impressive people -- the biggest in the world, in the world of stores and groceries and all." This he mentioned this list:

Dave Clark, Whole Foods; Mark Clouse, CEO of Campbell Soup Company; Brian Cornell, CEO of Target; Randy Edeker, Chairman and CEO, President of Hy-Vee; Jeff Harmening, CEO of General Mills; Kevin Hourican, President and CEO of Sysco; Craig Jelinek, CEO of Costco; Todd Jones, CEO of Publix Super Markets; Donnie King, Tyson Foods; David MacLennan, Chairman and CEO of Cargill; Rodney McMullan, CEO, Chairman of Kroger; Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart.

Trump's intent was to imply that he convinced these people -- whose business is to sell food to people -- to stay open to sell food to people. Of course they're going to stay open as long as they can. It's their business. Trump didn't convince them of anything. But he did give them some free publicity.

John L. Ferri
jlferri@epix.net