The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry

by Tevi Troy

When U.S. presidents clash with corporate titans, what tips the balance of power? 

In The Power and the Money, acclaimed presidential historian Tevi Troy takes readers on a riveting journey through the biggest battles between CEOs and the nation’s commander in chief. He unearths the untold stories – both political and personal – that have shaped America.

Troy shows how the vast reach of the federal government become a critical fact of life for every business, entrepreneur, and innovator. Today, companies find themselves navigating a competitive landscape defined by stringent regulations, so top CEOs and key business leaders must influence the legislative and regulatory system. As public affairs teams and government relations experts put forward strategies to survive Washington, CEOs have become the most important warrior on the frontlines. The Power and the Money shows how some of the nation’s most important CEOs forged (and fumbled) relationships with the president.

Troy also shows how the most powerful man in the world depends on CEOs. CEOs provide assistance in the form of personnel, policy insights, and campaign cash, but they also become essential foils for presidents, serving as both allies and convenient enemies.

The Power and the Money reveals an intricate web of power, where CEOs need presidents, and presidents need CEOs. Troy shows how each must step carefully – or risk unpredictable costs and collateral damage. From heavyweights John D. Rockefeller and Mark Zuckerberg to Katherine Graham, Elon Musk, and more, Troy takes readers inside the friendships and the conflicts that shook the American economy and re-shaped America.

Drawing on his experiences as bestselling historian and former senior White House aide, Troy offers unique insights and details that shed light on the growing, intertwining behemoths of government and big business – and what it means for the future of our nation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Business, Politics, Economics

449 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Holger · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. This is a collection of anecdotes, no narrative appears.
2. Your mileage will depend on what you know about each president/CEO.
3. If you know about Jobs, Gates, Trump, there's generally not much new info. If you don't, you may not care.
4. Some personalities are explored at length, others (Oprah) get a single page.

[Annie Jabs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Scattered writing and not super clear whether most of the information was anecdotal or second sourced/speculative. If you’ve read about US Presidents, not much new information here

[Stephen Ditman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 stars

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for class. Not bad.

[Jaan Liitmäe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much liked Reagan > Bush > Clinton era relationship analysis as media was changing so much.