D.C. region's center for tech and defense is optimistic for Trump

By the numbers: The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and communications firm Pinkston asked 103 CEOs and execs about the expected impact of Trump's policy objectives and found that:

• Extending tax cuts and reducing regulation were the most popular, with 56% and 52% of respondents saying they'll most benefit their companies.
• Over the next six months, 15% believe the region's economy will "grow significantly." And 45% believe it will "grow slowly."

The intrigue: But two-thirds of business leaders say they are "very" or "somewhat" concerned that relocating or eliminating agencies will impact the greater Washington economy.

• Federal agency relocation (42%) is the top fear among respondents. They believe it's the Trump agenda item that would most harm their companies.
• Another one of Trump's promises, to impose tariffs on China and potentially even allied countries, was the top fear of 30% of respondents.

In D.C., the mood was upbeat at a tech and defense summit last week.

• The event was organized by Station DC, a newly established hub for startups and venture capitalists. Attendees ranged from former chairman of the joint chiefs Mark Milley to an executive from defense startup darling Anduril to former D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty.

Inside the room: Many founders and executives from firms based regionally and in the West found common cause with Trump's allies bringing Silicon Valley disruption to Washington.

• Some represented smaller firms that want to shake up the way contracting is done and gain a slice of the Pentagon's spending — for emerging tech, AI research and more.

"There was a palpable sense of optimism," says James Barlia, who leads Station DC.

• "I would expect the defense budget to increase," he says. "Then you think about all the ripple effects in the local economy."

💭 Town Talker is a weekly column about money and power in Washington. Send Elon spotteds to [email protected]