In a meeting held on Thursday, former President Donald Trump huddled with at least 80 CEOs in Washington, delivering a clear pitch about tax cuts and a reduction in business regulations if he were to be re-elected as president in November.

During the meeting, Trump emphasized his intention to cut taxes, including income taxes, and implement economic policies similar to those enacted during his first term, according to sources familiar with the gathering. He specifically mentioned his plans to reduce the federal corporate tax rate from 21% to 20% if elected.

Trump also highlighted a recent proposal he unveiled in Nevada, which aims to eliminate taxes on worker tips. In an anecdote shared with the CEOs, he recounted the excitement expressed by tipped workers regarding this proposal, leading to laughter from the corporate leaders present.

The Business Roundtable's quarterly meeting served as the platform for Trump's hour-long speech, which was attended by prominent CEOs such as Apple's Tim Cook, JP Morgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, Citigroup's Jane Fraser, and Bank of America's Brian Moynihan. Earlier in the day, Chief of Staff to President Joe Biden, Jeff Zients, had addressed the group.

These revelations were made by sources who were granted anonymity in order to speak freely about the private gathering. However, representatives for the Trump campaign and the Business Roundtable have not yet provided any comments on the matter.

For both Trump and the CEOs in attendance, this meeting aimed to restore relations after some corporate leaders distanced themselves from the former president. Business advisory groups were disbanded in 2017 following Trump's remarks equating "both sides" during the Charlottesville protests involving white nationalists. Additionally, during the Capitol Hill riot in January 2021, executives, including members of the Business Roundtable, called on Trump to halt the violence.

During his speech, Trump took a swipe at President Biden, stating, "We need a president who is at the top of his game and let's face it, this president is not at the top of his game."

It remains unclear whether Tim Cook attended the meeting, as a spokesperson for Apple declined to comment on the matter. Prior to the gathering with CEOs, Trump had also discussed the idea of implementing an "all tariff policy" during a meeting with House Republicans, which he believes could eventually eliminate the need for income tax.

Overall, the meeting served as an opportunity for Trump to reestablish connections with corporate leaders and present his economic plans, promoting tax cuts and reduced regulations if granted another presidential term.