Are Trump’s wealthy donors putting money over Americans?
Legendary Home Depot founder and longtime Republican megadonor Ken Langone is speaking out, urging President Trump to take a smarter, more strategic approach to the escalating U.S. trade war.
In an exclusive conversation with the Financial Times, Langone voiced concerns over sweeping new import tariffs—calling the current strategy “overkill” that risks undermining the American economy.
“This Isn’t Negotiation—It’s Shutdown Diplomacy,” Says Langone
Langone, 89, has long been a vocal supporter of conservative, pro-business policies. But even he says the 46% tariff on Vietnam and 34% on China may go too far.
“I just don’t understand the formula,” Langone said. “You’re not encouraging negotiations—you’re slamming the door shut.”
Langone suggested that a 10% tariff on imports, followed by direct one-on-one trade talks, would have been far more effective—and far less risky for American consumers and retirees relying on a stable economy.
Is a Global Tariff War Coming?
Langone isn’t alone. He joins a growing chorus of billionaire investors and business leaders raising red flags over Trump’s tariff strategy—even as they continue to support his broader “America First” trade agenda.
- Bill Ackman, hedge fund titan and Trump supporter, warned of a “self-inflicted economic slowdown.”
- JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon called for quick resolution to tariff uncertainty to avoid inflation and slow growth.
- Stanley Druckenmiller, another GOP-aligned financier, backed tariffs only “as long as we stay in the 10% range.”
“I Still Believe in Trump’s Instincts,” Langone Says
Despite the criticism, Langone made it clear that he still supports President Trump’s core mission to protect American jobs and rebuild U.S. manufacturing.
“I believe in what President Trump is trying to do,” he said. “But we need to be smart about it. We need a plan that encourages cooperation—not retaliation.”
Langone emphasized that America has tremendous leverage if handled correctly—and that serious, bilateral negotiations could deliver big wins for U.S. workers, small businesses, and retirees watching their 401(k)s.
Final Thoughts: Could Cooler Heads Prevail?
As tensions rise between the U.S. and key trading partners like China and Vietnam, business leaders are urging the White House to pause and re-engage in good-faith negotiations.
The concern? A prolonged tariff war could impact everything from consumer prices to retirement portfolios—issues that hit close to home for millions of older Americans.
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