The Perils of Politics in Corporate Communications

In today’s polarized world, even the most innocuous corporate statements can quickly become politicized. Whether a company wants to take a stance or not, it may find itself pulled into the current. The recent Axios Harris Poll 100 is a striking reminder of just how much an individual’s political views can influence the public perception of the brands they lead.

Elon Musk’s example is perhaps the most high-profile illustration. Musk’s companies have seen their standings drop significantly, not because of business decisions, but due to his increasingly political persona. As Axios points out, this shift has had a direct impact on how the public perceives both Tesla and SpaceX.

At QB & Company, we often remind clients: every person in an organization has the right to hold and express political views, but when that person is a CEO or senior executive, their voice often becomes synonymous with the company’s. What starts as a personal opinion can quickly evolve into a corporate position, whether intended or not.

That’s where strategic communications must step in.

A company’s mission, at its core, is to serve its market and deliver value—financial, social, or otherwise. While taking a stand can be powerful when tied to core values or operational realities, it can also alienate large segments of a company’s stakeholders, especially employees and customers.

Here are our key recommendations for companies navigating this sensitive terrain:

• Avoid divisive political commentary: It’s rarely worth the reputational risk.
  

• If you must speak, focus on policy—not politicians: This ensures your message remains professional and mission-aligned.
  

• Keep tone neutral and objective: Stick to facts. Avoid adjectives that inflame or editorialize.
  

• Anchor all communication in business relevance: Talk about how policies impact operations, employees, or the industry—not about ideology.
  

• Seek professional guidance: A qualified PR agency can help you shape language, anticipate risk, and build communication strategies that withstand scrutiny.
  

Corporate silence can be deafening—but so can corporate noise. Striking the right tone isn’t easy, especially in a climate where attention is currency and outrage spreads faster than reason. The answer isn’t to shy away from communication—it’s to make every word count, with clarity, intention, and care.

Let your mission lead your message: That’s how companies build trust—and keep it.