Tom Donohue, titan of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, dies at 86

Thomas J. Donohue, a prominent voice for business and former CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, died on Monday at the age of 86 after a brief illness. He passed away at his home in northern Virginia, surrounded by loved ones. During his tenure, Donohue vastly expanded the chamber's influence and wealth, making it a formidable voice for Main Street. He was a sought-after voice for business on TV and Capitol Hill, known for his fundraising prowess and ability to connect people. The U.S. Chamber's headquarters, located across from the White House, symbolizes American business as a Washington power center. Suzanne P. Clark, Donohue's hand-picked successor, described him as "always optimistic" and a "powerful champion" for the business community. Donohue took over the U.S. Chamber in 1997 after leading the American Trucking Associations for 13 years. He remained active in business after retiring from the chamber in 2021 and served on several boards, including the Hudson Institute and Marymount University. Donohue was a New York City native who held degrees from St. John's University and Adelphi University. He will be remembered as a unique and impactful voice in Washington and around the world, who gave business a seat at the table and a voice in the debate.