SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert joined former CIA Director and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday for a dynamic conversation at the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit. The invite-only event, hosted by Zions Bank and the World Trade Center Utah, brought together global leaders to discuss international trade, immigration, and the shifting dynamics of global power.
The summit, which focused heavily on Utah’s growing role in global trade, provided a platform for Herbert and Pompeo to share insights on the evolving trade landscape, particularly in light of ongoing tariff negotiations with the Trump administration. The event attracted attention as a significant gathering to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by Utah’s increasing influence on the world stage.
Herbert, who served as Utah’s governor for over a decade, addressed the current state of U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. He expressed concern over what he described as a lack of clarity in the White House’s overall strategic objective concerning trade. “President Trump hasn’t been clear about his overall strategic objective here,” Herbert stated, referencing the escalating tariff measures that have involved nearly every major global economy.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding national trade policies, Herbert emphasized Utah’s ability to weather these challenges. He noted that the state is well-positioned to adapt to the evolving landscape of international commerce. However, he acknowledged that the current climate remains troubling for many business leaders in Utah and beyond.
During the discussion, Herbert also addressed the growing divisions within the Republican Party, particularly regarding trade. While many Republicans remain loyal to Trump, Herbert pointed out that there are numerous party members who disagree with some of his economic policies. This divide, Herbert suggested, could play a key role in shaping future trade policy decisions.
The conversation also ventured into international relations, with Herbert and Pompeo sharing their views on global powers such as Israel, Russia, and China. Both men underscored the complexity of global diplomacy and the challenges the U.S. faces in managing relationships with these influential nations.
Another major topic of discussion was U.S. immigration policy, an area where Herbert expressed frustration over Congressional inaction. The former governor criticized lawmakers for prioritizing re-election over addressing critical issues. “What happens, unfortunately, in my view, is we have too many in Congress setting aside solving a problem as a top priority to getting re-elected as the number one priority — and then they get re-elected, but the people suffer,” he said.
Herbert called for a balanced approach to immigration reform, one that would secure the U.S. border while also providing pathways for legal entry. He defended Utah’s reputation as a welcoming state, referencing the Utah Compact, a set of principles advocating for humane and practical immigration reform. Despite the state’s openness, Herbert was clear when asked whether Utah had become a sanctuary state: “Utah is not a sanctuary state,” he asserted.
In addition to global trade and immigration, Herbert touched on the growing influence of technology in Utah’s economy. He highlighted the work being done by the Herbert Institute, which is researching the role of artificial intelligence in Utah’s business sector. This initiative, Herbert noted, underscores the state’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement as it continues to expand its economic footprint.
The Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit served as a reminder of Utah’s evolving role in the global economy. With leaders like Herbert and Pompeo offering valuable insights on trade, immigration, and technology, the event emphasized the state’s growing influence on the international stage and its potential to shape key global discussions in the years ahead.