How a CEO and Trump donor is weaponizing tariffs against his rivals
Marty Davis, CEO of Cambria and a donor to President Trump, has pushed for tariffs on imported quartz, benefiting his U.S.-based manufacturing business while disadvantaging competitors reliant on imports. Rival companies argue these tariffs raise consumer prices, threaten jobs, and give Davis an unfair edge due to his political connections. Both sides claim to protect American jobs and manufacturing, turning a trade dispute into a public battle over fairness and economic policy.
- ▪Marty Davis is the CEO of Cambria, a $500 million quartz countertop manufacturer based in Minnesota.
- ▪Davis has successfully lobbied for tariffs on imported quartz, which increases costs for competitors who rely on foreign materials.
- ▪Competitors, including small businesses like Marble Uniques, argue the tariffs harm affordability and could lead to job losses.
- ▪Davis has hosted high-dollar fundraisers for President Trump and invested in Trump Media and Technology Group.
- ▪Both Cambria and its rivals claim their positions support over 100,000 U.S. jobs in the quartz and construction industries.
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Deep Dive Business How a CEO and Trump donor is weaponizing tariffs against his rivals May 17, 20265:00 AM ET By Maria Aspan Cambria CEO Marty Davis speaks on the job site of the countertop company's new $80 million quartz processing plant and rail center in Randolph, Minn., on August 13, 2025. (Photo by The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via Getty Images/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via Getty Images/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images Marty Davis has held many roles over his career, from Minnesota farmboy to kitchen-countertop mogul. But recently, his ties to President Trump have turned this wealthy CEO into a business lightning rod.
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