Companies are recalibrating ESG strategies in response to US policy shifts
In June 2025, the Conference Board reported that 80% of large U.S. and multinational companies have revised their ESG strategies in response to recent shifts in U.S. policy under the Trump administration. These changes include refining sustainability communications to focus on business impacts, increasing legal oversight of ESG programs, and reassessing ESG-related terminology and branding.
Executives cited concerns that current policies may slow down corporate decarbonization and weaken domestic energy transition efforts. Many companies are already experiencing growing backlash toward ESG from advocacy groups and federal policymakers, a trend expected to intensify in the coming years.
Key concerns include widening regulatory gaps between U.S. federal, state, and international ESG standards, potential trade restrictions such as tariffs on renewable energy equipment, and increased scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While some companies remain committed, only a small portion are choosing to strengthen their ESG goals under the current policy climate.
