Warren Buffett Slams Trump’s Tariffs, Warns Trade Shouldn’t Be Used as a Weapon

At Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, legendary investor Warren Buffett made headlines not just for announcing his retirement, but also for taking a sharp stance against former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Buffett, who is stepping down as CEO at the end of the year, condemned the use of tariffs and protectionist measures, warning that weaponizing trade could backfire on the U.S. economy.

“Trade should not be used as a weapon,” Buffett said to a crowd of nearly 40,000 in Omaha. “That’s a big mistake. Tariffs, in some cases, can be acts of economic war.” He emphasized that cooperation and open markets are key to long-term global prosperity, which in turn benefits the United States through stability and shared growth.

Buffett’s remarks come amid renewed discussion of Trump’s pledge to reinstate and expand tariffs on foreign goods, including from China, Mexico, and Canada. The investor argued that such policies raise consumer prices and strain international relationships rather than strengthen the U.S. economy.

This moment also marked a historic transition at Berkshire Hathaway, as Buffett named Vice Chairman Greg Abel as his successor. The firm reported a slight dip in profits but sits on a record $347 billion in cash, reinforcing the company’s strong financial position as it prepares for a new era of leadership.