Warren Buffett: U.S. Must Stop Using Trade as Weapon/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Warren Buffett cautioned against the United States using trade as a weapon, criticizing President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. Speaking at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting, Buffett emphasized global cooperation and warned that alienating global partners is a mistake. The investor also addressed Berkshire’s growing cash pile and the lack of good investments.
Buffett on Trade, Tariffs & the Future Quick Looks:
- Buffett opposes Trump’s use of tariffs as leverage
- Says using trade as a weapon isolates the U.S.
- Urges global cooperation: “We should do what we do best”
- Berkshire sits on $347.7 billion in cash — awaiting opportunity
- Buffett remains optimistic about America’s long-term future
- Meeting draws 40,000+ attendees, including Hillary Clinton
- Buffett, 94, shortens Q&A but plans to keep working
- Fans, including one from China, camped overnight to attend
Deep Look: Warren Buffett Rebukes Tariff Policy, Praises Global Trade at 2025 Berkshire Meeting
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – At 94 years old, billionaire investor Warren Buffett showed no signs of softening his convictions as he warned thousands of Berkshire Hathaway shareholders that the United States should not weaponize trade — a direct rebuke of President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven approach to global commerce.
“It’s a big mistake in my view when you have 7.5 billion people who don’t like you very well, and you have 300 million who are crowing about how they have done,” Buffett said in response to a top pre-submitted question.
Buffett Opposes Weaponizing Trade
Buffett, known for his measured wisdom and long-term optimism, didn’t hold back in criticizing Trump’s tariffs, which he believes have destabilized global markets and harmed the U.S.’s international relationships.
“We should be looking to trade with the rest of the world. We should do what we do best and they should do what they do best,” Buffett said.
While acknowledging that trade should be balanced, Buffett insisted that cooperation leads to prosperity and safety worldwide — not economic isolationism.
Berkshire’s $347.7 Billion Cash Reserve
In addition to global trade, shareholders pressed Buffett about Berkshire’s record-high cash pile, now totaling $347.7 billion.
“I just don’t see many attractively priced investments that I understand,” Buffett explained. “But one day, we will be bombarded with opportunities.”
Despite the market fluctuations and uncertainty around Trump’s economic policies, Buffett’s strategy remains steady: wait patiently for the right deal.
Shareholder Loyalty Runs Deep
The annual meeting, held at Omaha’s CHI Health Center, brought together more than 40,000 investors. Among them was Haibo Liu, who camped out overnight to be first in line.
“He has helped me a lot,” Liu said, having traveled from China. “I really want to express my thanks to him.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was also in attendance — a notable guest, given Buffett’s aversion to politics in recent years.
From Doris Buffett to $809,000 Stock
Linda Smith, 73, has been attending Buffett’s meetings for decades, inspired by Buffett’s late sister Doris, who once encouraged her to buy Berkshire stock.
Smith couldn’t afford the $3,400 price tag as a grad student, but eventually bought in — and today, one share of Berkshire Class A stock trades above $809,000.
“I really like to listen to Warren Buffett — particularly this year with everything that has happened,” Smith said.
She estimates she’s attended 20 meetings, usually bringing a friend to hear Buffett’s insights firsthand.
A Legacy That Will Outlast the Oracle?
“If I were being born today, I would just keep negotiating in the womb until they said, ‘You could be in the United States,’” he joked, reaffirming his unshakeable faith in America’s resilience.
While Buffett now walks with a cane and shortened the Q&A session, his enthusiasm for investing remains as sharp as ever.
“I think even if he dies, these businesses will retain their value,” Smith said. “Good businesses and good people will come back.”
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