Former President Donald Trump's appearance at the Business Roundtable's quarterly meeting failed to make a positive impression on multiple CEOs in attendance, sources told CNBC. According to witnesses, Trump's remarks were characterized as meandering and lacking clear direction, with attendees claiming he struggled to stay on topic and offered few details on his policy proposals.

One CEO, speaking anonymously, stated, "Trump doesn't know what he's talking about." They further highlighted that Trump failed to explain how he intended to achieve his proposed policy goals. CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin reported that several CEOs found Trump's speech to be unfocused and scattered.

Among the areas where Trump provided limited information were tax reductions and business regulations, according to two sources present at the meeting who spoke to CNBC. Attendees and those who shared their observations were granted anonymity to freely discuss the private event.

Surprisingly, some of the CEOs that entered the meeting with favorable opinions of Trump left with changed perspectives. Sorkin noted that they had initially leaned towards supporting Trump but walked out less inclined to do so. The lack of focus in Trump's remarks appeared to have played a role in their shift in sentiment.

Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump presidential campaign, countered the claims, stating, "President Trump was warmly received by everyone in the room and was commended for his policy proposals on deregulation and tax cuts." However, attendees shared that there was no noticeable applause for Trump during his speech.

The atmosphere and energy during the meeting were reportedly subdued, with a notable contrast to Trump's earlier meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill. Sources revealed that Trump displayed more animated and engaged behavior during that meeting, receiving applause from attendees.

Some speculated that Trump intentionally exhibited low-key energy during the Business Roundtable event, seeking to create a more business-oriented atmosphere rather than delivering a traditional speech. One attendee explained that Trump expressed his plan to reduce the corporate tax rate to 20% but struggled to justify the specific percentage, simply stating that it was a round number. This comment reportedly garnered disbelief from many CEOs.

In 2023, corporate income taxes contributed approximately $420 billion to federal revenues, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office. Wall Street has expressed dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden's aggressive antitrust enforcement, pharmaceutical price caps, and progressive tax policies over the past three years.

It remains to be seen how this lukewarm reception from top executives will impact Trump's standing among influential business leaders moving forward.