Ex-Amex CEO shares when business leaders need to speak up about politics: 'You should care about what happens in our society'

Former American Express CEO Ken Chenault, who led the company for 17 years, said business leaders should speak up on political issues when the stakes are high enough, arguing "you should care about what happens in our society." Chenault, one of the most prominent Black executives in corporate America, made the comments in a CNBC interview on the role of CEOs in public debate. His stance contrasts with a growing corporate retreat from political engagement, as companies face pressure from both customers and politicians. The remarks carry weight given his tenure running a Dow component with a large consumer and small-business customer base. Watch whether other Fortune 500 chief executives echo his position ahead of the next election cycle.