Big business isn't your enemy—it helps keep America running

By Sam Kuebler, AGIF Board Member in Human Events

These organizations have the resources and reach to serve every corner of our nation, not just the affluent, coastal zip codes. When a hurricane knocks out power or a pandemic upends daily life, these companies often keep shelves stocked, services running, and communities connected.

There's a narrative gaining traction in some corners of our political and media landscape: that "big business" is a villain, a faceless force putting profits above people and stifling competition. As someone who has spent years engaging with American enterprise and the policymakers who make important decisions that impact consumers, this storyline misses the mark. More importantly, this misperception misses the real story of how America's big businesses continue to deliver for the American people.

Let's get back to basics. The American way has always been about making things better, faster, cheaper, and more accessible. That's not just a slogan—it's a promise that's delivered every time a family in a rural area installs broadband internet, a senior in a small town receives affordable prescription drugs, or a community bounces back from natural disasters thanks to resilient supply chains and local investments by our biggest and most successful companies.

Much of the progress we take for granted is powered by large, vertically integrated companies. These organizations have the resources and reach to serve every corner of our nation, not just the affluent, coastal zip codes. When a hurricane knocks out power or a pandemic upends daily life, these companies often keep shelves stocked, services running, and communities connected. Their broad distribution networks and operational reach ensure products and services are available when and where needed most, even in times of crisis.

Despite such tangible benefits these companies provide, they often become convenient targets for critics who argue that "bigger is badder." To defend the key pillars of our economy that are American businesses, I am taking part in launching an organization named The American Growth and Innovation Forum (AGIF). Meant to inject facts and common sense into ongoing conversations about American enterprise and our economy as a whole, AGIF conducted a poll to kick off our launch. The results showed that while only 40% of Americans have a favorable view of big business, 87% use products from these companies, and a majority believe they are a force for good. Why? The top reasons are access to products and services (58%), convenience (54%), and fast, reliable service (50%).

The facts laid out by our polling paint a clear picture: large, integrated companies with national scale can lower consumers' costs by streamlining operations and leveraging efficiencies. That means more Americans—regardless of where they live—can access critical products and services, from affordable groceries to lifesaving medications. As you can see from our research, this is not just theory; it's happening every day. These businesses reach underserved and remote communities that smaller players simply can't.

The current administration has been on the right path in supporting large American companies by getting out of their way of doing business. From advocating for business-friendly tax policies to reducing excessive regulatory burdens, President Trump has been trying to give our enterprises as much breathing room as possible to grow correctly and serve Americans.

The rest of our elected leaders should also follow the administration's lead and let our businesses thrive. History has shown that when our government has stayed out of the way, American companies have delivered great results for the world. As a result, our country has become one of the most diverse and resilient economies in the world, attracting countless investors worldwide, with even more room for growth.

We can't afford to let political posturing and rhetoric obscure the reality: American businesses—especially those with the scale and vision to reach everyone—are still our best bet for progress. That is why I joined AGIF and its mission to champion this fact-based understanding, to educate and unite stakeholders around the positive impact of American business leadership. Our focus is on affordability, accessibility, innovation, jobs, and reliability—because that makes America work.

The story of America's global dominance is also the story of American scale and ingenuity at work, driven by a belief in free-market enterprise. Let's celebrate these American values, not demonize them. That's the American way.

Sam Kuebler is the founder of Lighthouse Strategies LLC and a former congressional staffer, most recently serving as legislative director for Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar.