When LVMH billionaire Bernard Arnault and his heirs attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, it wasn’t just for a moment in history—it was part of a calculated effort.

Reports suggest Arnault’s presence was aimed at strengthening his ties with the new President, especially given the looming concerns about tariffs on luxury goods.

The Tariff Concerns Behind Arnault’s Attendance

Arnault, the mastermind behind the LVMH empire, which owns luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Fendi, had a very specific reason for attending Trump’s inauguration.

According to The New York Post, his presence was largely motivated by a desire to prevent tariffs from being imposed on his vast array of high-end products.

With Trump now in office, many global business leaders were facing the potential of tariffs, and Arnault wanted to make sure his luxury brands wouldn’t be hit hard by them.

Trump’s Push for U.S. Manufacturing and Low Taxes

Since his inauguration, Trump has made it clear to international business leaders that they should consider manufacturing their goods within the United States.

The incentive? Lower taxes and the ability to avoid import tariffs.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump urged global businesses to set up shop in the U.S., promising them some of the lowest tax rates in the world in return.

Arnault and His Family’s Role in LVMH

At the inauguration, Arnault was not alone—he attended with his son, Alexandre, and daughter, Delphine.

Alexandre holds the position of deputy CEO of Moët Hennessy, and Delphine serves as the CEO of Dior, both of which are part of the LVMH family.

It’s no secret that Trump and Arnault share a positive relationship, with sources revealing that Trump has a deep admiration for the French billionaire and a desire to keep him pleased.

LVMH’s Recent Struggles in the Luxury Market

LVMH, under Arnault’s leadership, has had its fair share of challenges.

In 2024, the luxury giant saw a significant dip in quarterly sales for the first time since the pandemic.

Their fashion and leather goods division reported a 5% drop in revenue, largely attributed to a slowdown in China—one of the biggest markets for luxury goods.

This made Arnault’s political connections and efforts to keep tariffs at bay all the more pressing.

The Texas Connection and Kushner’s Role

During Trump’s first term, he visited an LVMH leather factory in Texas, a facility that makes Louis Vuitton handbags and provides employment for hundreds.

Interestingly, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner also shares a long-standing relationship with Arnault’s children, Alexandre and Frédéric.

According to sources, one of the reasons Kushner was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to France was to strengthen ties with the Arnault family.

Alexandre, in particular, has been a supporter of Trump’s re-election campaign, appearing at rallies and other events in favor of the President.

The Succession Drama Within the Arnault Family

The Arnault family dynamic has garnered attention in recent years, with reports comparing their internal workings to the popular TV series Succession.

Bernard Arnault, who oversees a multi-billion-dollar empire, reportedly holds monthly lunch meetings with his children.

These gatherings have become somewhat of an audition, where Arnault seeks advice from each child on how to handle his business.

Over the course of these intense 90-minute sessions, Arnault gauges which of his children might eventually succeed him as the head of LVMH.

A Billion-Dollar Business in Waiting

In addition to Delphine, Alexandre, and Frédéric, Bernard Arnault has two other children: Antoine and Jean.

While each of his children holds significant roles within LVMH and its affiliated brands, the ultimate decision about who will take the reins of this luxurious empire remains up for grabs.

It’s clear that Arnault’s ongoing strategy, both in business and family, will continue to shape the future of the luxury goods industry.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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