Ari Emanuel on Why He Talks to Trump

The power broker with a direct line to the president

Ari Emanuel, a man who can call the president and have him answer the phone. He's a top broker for large-scale deals in film and TV production, a post that brings him into frequent contact with heads of state and other big players. The White House has even hosted UFC events, with Donald Trump at the helm. Emanuel, however, has a different take on the political mix he sees in his sphere. In a recent PBS interview, Emanuel maintained that he is still able to communicate with Trump and that he finds it worthwhile to keep the dialogue open, even if they disagree on political topics.

Politics and peacemaking

The president was a supporter of the UFC. He has also added to the entertainment mix in the last few years by forging a partnership with major event promoters and just recently honored Senator Schiff for his work on the "Presidential Tax Credit". Emanuel works in the entertainment business, so he's had more than one occasion to talk to the president, who has made supporting the entertainment industry a priority. Emanuel and Trump may not see eye to eye, but they do see each other as valuable allies in the entertainment industry. Emanuel's desire to keep the dialogue open can be viewed as a purely pragmatic decision, especially as the entertainment industry is a vital export for the United States. Discussion with a powerful ally can work wonders in reaching common ground on policy matters. Emanuel is able to give Trump feedback on tax incentives for the entertainment industry, particularly in keeping onshore productions that are now floating toward other countries.

Lessons from the past.

Emanuel's approach to maintaining a working relationship with Trump, despite their political differences, is rooted in his upbringing. "You talk to everybody. You make friends with enemies, not with friends. I'm not in this echo chamber. I don’t want to be part of a cult that only talks to people that they agree with. I want to be part of a society, and in a society, you have to talk to the other side.” says Emanuel.

Talking to the other side

Ari Emanuel believes that it is necessary to discuss with those who aren't necessarily of the same mind: "very rarely is it just completely black and white. You learn and take some of the other sides point. If you are good at your arguments, you might even sway them."

Saying no

But even Emanuel has lines he won’t cross. “There’s certain times, It’s a no-no. I’m not talking to the other side just because of certain things. But very rarely is it just completely black and white. I think ..." Given Emanuel's line of work, it may seem surprising that he would take a total stance against Donald Trump. But Emanuel is careful to spell out the limits of his diplomacy: certain matters of principle are non-negotiable, he makes his point, and then seeks to find common ground.

The internet generation

Ari Emanuel criticized the hyper-discriminatory culture of today: "I don't want somebody that I don't agree with on campus expressing their views. That's insane. That's not a society. That's a cult. And I was never brought up that way and I'm okay having a conversation with somebody vehemently disagree with to say here's my opinion, here's my thoughts, what are your thoughts and let's have that back and forth. That's a society, and that's what we should be striving for."

What it takes to get in the room

For anyone hoping to broker deals with powerful individuals, Emanuel's advice is clear: be open to dialogue, even with those you disagree with. "You have to talk to the other side, even people that you vehemently disagree with." What’s more, Emanuel advises anyone hoping to make a deal with high-stakes players. There is an incredible amount of power in just being able to pick up the phone and call the president, but it takes work. "It's just one of the calls that you're rolling through the day. It's to the president of the United States."

Questions readers ask

How does Ari Emanuel's line of work bring him into contact with political figures like Donald Trump?

Ari Emanuel is a top dealmaker in the film and TV production industry, which often involves large-scale projects that attract the attention of heads of state and other influential figures. This has given him the opportunity to discuss issues with Trump, who has shown a keen interest in supporting the entertainment industry.

Why does Emanuel believe it's important to maintain a dialogue with Trump, despite their political differences?

Emanuel sees the value in keeping the lines of communication open, even with those he disagrees with politically. He believes that engaging in dialogue can lead to mutual understanding and potentially influence policy decisions that benefit the entertainment industry, which is a vital export for the United States.

What is Emanuel's approach to dealing with those who hold opposing views?

Emanuel's approach is rooted in his belief that meaningful dialogue should occur with those who have differing opinions. He argues that conversations with those on the other side can foster mutual respect, and sometimes, sway opinions. However, he also acknowledges that there are certain lines he won't cross, and he is careful to maintain his principles.

How does Emanuel's background influence his approach to political dialogue?

Emanuel's upbringing has shaped his perspective on communication and diplomacy. He was raised to engage with a wide range of people, including those with opposing views, and he believes that this approach is essential for fostering a healthy society. As a result, he actively seeks out dialogue with those who hold differing opinions, even if they are on the opposite end of the political spectrum.

What specific issues does Emanuel discuss with Trump, and how do these conversations impact the entertainment industry?

Emanuel often discusses tax incentives and policies that affect the entertainment industry with Trump. By maintaining an open dialogue, he is able to provide feedback and advocate for policies that keep productions onshore, rather than having them move to other countries. This has a direct impact on the industry, as it helps to preserve jobs and economic activity in the United States.

What are some of the principles that Emanuel refuses to compromise on, even when engaging in dialogue with those he disagrees with?

While Emanuel is open to dialogue with a wide range of people, he does have certain principles that he refuses to compromise on. He has mentioned that there are specific issues where he draws a line and will not engage in dialogue, even if it means maintaining a working relationship with someone like Trump. However, Emanuel doesn't go into detail about what these specific issues are.

How does Emanuel's view on dialogue and communication differ from the current cultural climate, particularly among younger generations?

Emanuel has criticized the current trend of hyper-discriminatory culture, particularly among younger generations, where people are reluctant to engage with those who hold differing views. He believes that this approach is counterproductive and that a healthy society should encourage open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, even if they are not always in agreement with one another. Emanuel's views reflect a more traditional approach to communication and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of engaging with a wide range of people, regardless of their political beliefs.