Buffett Slams Tariffs and Protectionism: They Do More Harm Than Good

At Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting in Omaha, Warren Buffett delivered sharp criticism of the U.S.’s aggressive trade stance.

Without naming President Trump, he warned against using tariffs as leverage: “Trade should not be a weapon,” he stated.

Openness Builds Security

Buffett made it clear that global prosperity isn’t a threat to America—it’s a strength. “The more prosperous the rest of the world becomes, the more prosperous we’ll become—and the safer we’ll feel, and your children will feel someday,” he explained.

A Geopolitical Risk

After steep tariff hikes on Chinese goods, China responded with its own levies. Buffett cautioned that tariffs can act as provocations, shifting attitudes in a dangerous direction.

Berkshire has reacted by offloading major equity positions and stockpiling a record cash reserve.

“A Big Mistake”

Buffett concluded with a blunt warning against isolationism: “It’s a big mistake when seven and a half billion people don’t like you very much, and you’re crowing about how well you’ve done.” His message was clear—cooperation is the way forward, not conflict.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.