You seem to understand why were the Arnaults there? Could you let me/us know?
For the same reason as he went to the Trump tower during Trump’s first mandate and opened a Vuitton factory in the US: to protect the interest of his company at a time when Trump is all about America first!
The new administration is planning to add more taxes on foreign products, particularly spirits and wine and luxury products. If I remember it represents France’s 4th and 5th exportations in the US. With LVMH being the leader it is important… Even more at a time where Trump seems to be dismissive of most European leaders.
Beyond being part of the elitist club of the Richs they parade quite embarassingly at the White House, Arnault seems to be the one closest to maintain some kind of balance between US and France current relationships.
It’s known that they are very close to the Macron but Trump seems to be dismissive of him and on a more superficial way, Musk has a personal vendetta against Thierry Breton (who fought against GAFAS at the European Commission) who is also very close to the Macron.
And tbh, Arnault is the only person from the luxury industry that could have some sort of influence regarding taxes. Pinault has a lot to deal with and the others groups are either too small or not run by their owners for them to have a real impact with the new administration.
I don’t know if dressing the family in LVMH and showering them with Champagne and wine will be enough. He might have to open a new US factory for one of the brands. If I was him I would use Marc Jacobs for that…