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The answer is resounding: affordability challenges.
In a survey of 1,001 registered voters from June 25-28, 2026, Brunswick and Echelon Insights asked respondents what one thing they wish all CEOs of American businesses knew about life in America today. 1 in 4 (25%) pointed to high costs and wanted CEOs to make things more affordable, followed by 23% who called out corporate greed or inequality. Just 3% would take the opportunity to tell CEOs to stay out of politics.
But that doesn’t mean respondents wanted CEOs talking about politics. When asked how businesses should behave, voters responded with just the opposite: nearly two-thirds (65%) said that businesses should stay neutral and focus on serving their customers. Just 27% thought businesses should take a public stance in line with their values.
The key wording in there is “serving their customers.” This signals that Americans want CEOs directly addressing (and focusing on) the issues that matter most to them: managing high costs. They’re not asking CEOs for politics; they’re asking for affordability.
If your organization wants to meet the American public where they are and effectively communicate about the issues that matter most to them, Seven Letter Insight can help.
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