Warren Buffett Forced to Step Down After Slamming Trump?

Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old billionaire who spent six decades at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, is stepping down — but not without taking a final parting shot at President Donald Trump and his America First trade agenda.

During Saturday’s annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting, Buffett made the surprise announcement that he would retire as CEO at the end of the year. His chosen successor? Greg Abel, the company’s Vice Chairman and longtime heir apparent.

“The time has come,” Buffett told the crowd of investors. “Greg should become CEO at year-end.” He said the board of directors was hearing his recommendation for the first time that very day.

But before riding off into the sunset, Buffett used the platform to slam Trump’s tariffs — calling them “an act of war” and blasting the former president’s bold efforts to pressure foreign powers into fairer trade.

“It’s unwise. It’s dangerous. Trade should not be a weapon,” Buffett said, addressing a packed convention center of over 30,000 investors. “When 7.5 billion people don’t like you, and 300 million are cheering, that’s not a win — that’s a warning.”

Buffett’s Bitter Exit: A Political Statement Over Policy

The annual shareholder meeting — nicknamed “Woodstock for Capitalists” — turned political as Buffett launched into a full-throated criticism of the tariffs Trump once proudly called “reciprocal” and necessary to rebalance global trade.

“There’s no question that trade wars have consequences. This one is stirring up attitudes that lead to bad outcomes,” Buffett said.

But many in conservative circles aren’t buying it.

“Warren Buffett is a legendary investor — not a statesman,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) in a statement after the event. “He made billions in a system rigged by globalist policies. Now he’s upset because Trump disrupted that gravy train.”

Trump Allies Defend Tariffs, Slam Buffett’s Globalism

Buffett’s remarks come as the U.S. economy continues adjusting to a protectionist trade realignment. Trump’s tariffs, some as high as 145% on strategic imports from China and Europe, were designed to revive domestic industries and reduce dependency on hostile foreign nations.

“President Trump was right,” said former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in response. “Buffett represents the old guard — the Davos crowd — who got rich while our workers lost factories. That era is over.”

Buffett, whose net worth exceeds $165 billion, has long positioned himself as a centrist Democrat with “pragmatic” economic views. But critics say his investments — including heavy holdings in foreign-linked companies — contradict the populist tone he’s now trying to strike.

Retirement or Retreat? A Legacy Now Under the Microscope

While Buffett insisted he would remain active “if useful,” his formal exit signals the end of an era. Abel, a more reserved figure, is expected to take the reins quietly without the political detours.

Buffett’s decision to politicize his farewell has sparked backlash across conservative media.

“He waited until the end to speak out — like a coward with a mic drop,” said Newsmax host Rob Schmitt. “Trump didn’t start a trade war. He ended decades of economic surrender. Buffett just didn’t like the outcome.”

Still, Buffett defended his remarks.

“If we want our children to feel safe, we should aim for a more prosperous world — not a resentful one,” he said.

As the financial world reflects on Buffett’s legacy, the question remains: Did the Oracle of Omaha just tarnish it with partisan bitterness?