Citadel CEO Ken Griffin Critiques Trump’s Trade War Impact

Washington, D.C. — Ken Griffin, the billionaire CEO of Citadel, voiced strong criticism of President Donald Trump’s trade policies during his speech at the Semafor World Economy Summit on April 23. Griffin warned that the ongoing trade war is damaging America’s global reputation and economic brand.

Griffin stated that the United States is more than a nation; it is a brand recognized worldwide. “America rose beyond just being a country. It was like an aspiration for most the world, and we’re eroding that brand right now,” he said.

The financial mogul expressed concern that investors are hesitant to place their money in U.S. assets, especially Treasury bonds, due to a lack of confidence in America’s standing as a reliable financial actor. “In the financial markets, no brand compares to the brand of the U.S. Treasuries,” he noted. “We put that brand at risk.”

Historically, Treasury bonds are viewed as a safe-haven investment. However, concerns are rising that the current trade war could cause irreparable harm not just to the U.S. economy but to its reputation in the financial world.

Similarly, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon remarked earlier this month that America’s prestigious global position is built on its economic strength, military might, and moral standing. He cautioned that Trump’s “America First” policy poses a risk to these alliances. “America First is fine, as long as it doesn’t end up being America alone,” Dimon said.

Griffin compared America’s brand to a well-known luxury label. “If the companies that make those brands have a public scandal, reputational damage can be nearly impossible to repair,” he explained.

Recent market trends show the dollar hitting a three-year low, and U.S. stocks have lost nearly $7 trillion in value since mid-February, reflecting concerns over economic stability. “The president and his advisers need to be very thoughtful about respecting and strengthening the brand,” Griffin concluded. “Tarnishing that brand can take a lifetime to repair.”