𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕟 𝔹𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕥 ℂ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕞𝕡’𝕤 𝕋𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕤 𝕒 ℍ𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟 𝕋𝕒𝕩 𝕠𝕟 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕣𝕤
In a recent interview with CBS News’ Nora O’Donnell, legendary investor Warren Buffett criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs, calling them an additional tax on goods. Buffett argued that while tariffs may appear to target foreign companies, it’s ultimately U.S. consumers who bear the cost as businesses pass on price increases.
Trump has announced new tariffs set to take effect on March 4, imposing a 25% duty on imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. In addition, the president has launched a national security investigation into Canadian lumber, which could lead to further trade restrictions and tensions.
Buffett, who rarely comments on politics, didn’t hold back on the topic, even comparing tariffs to an act of war. “We have a lot of experience with tariffs. Over time, they become a tax on goods,” he said with a laugh, emphasizing that the key question in economics is always: “What happens next?”
While Trump remains firm on his trade policies, China is already preparing to retaliate. Meanwhile, the stock market is showing signs of strain—the S&P 500 is up only 1% this year. Buffett himself has been selling stocks and building cash reserves at Berkshire Hathaway, a move some investors interpret as preparation for a market downturn. Others believe he is positioning the company to capitalize on future opportunities.
When asked directly about the economy, Buffett sidestepped the question with a laugh, saying, “I can’t talk about it. I really can’t.”
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