Citadel CEO Ken Griffin isn’t mincing words about tariffs, even though he’s a major Republican donor. Speaking at the Milken Conference, Griffin slammed them as a brutal, regressive tax hammering working-class Americans. He called the policy “absolutely terrible,” comparing it to a painful sales tax that hits lower-income households hardest. While praising Trump’s deregulation as a “godsend,” Griffin’s stance on tariffs reveals deeper concerns about inflation and economic struggles facing everyday Americans.
Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin isn’t mincing words about tariffs – he thinks they’re absolutely terrible for working Americans. Speaking at the Milken Conference in Los Angeles, the Citadel CEO blasted current trade policies as a “painfully regressive tax” that hits hardest at those who can least afford it.
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin slams tariffs as devastating for working Americans, calling them a painfully regressive tax on those least able to pay.
Griffin, who’s typically a strong Republican supporter and major donor, didn’t hold back in his criticism. He compared tariffs to a sales tax that disproportionately affects lower-income households, suggesting they create an economic burden without matching benefits. Talk about biting the hand that feeds – he’s taking direct aim at policies championed by the same party he usually backs.
His concerns about tariffs align with fundamental macroeconomic indicators that measure overall economic health and living standards across the nation. The billionaire’s comments, reported by CNBC’s Becky Quick on May 8, 2025, paint a stark picture of tariffs’ impact on everyday Americans. According to Griffin, these policies are hammering folks who are “working the hardest to make ends meet.” He’s particularly worried about inflation, warning of a modest risk of stagflation lurking around the corner.
Interestingly, Griffin isn’t completely down on all Republican economic policies. He actually praised the Trump administration’s deregulation efforts as a “godsend.” But when it comes to trade policy? Not so much. It’s like he’s giving the administration a gold star for homework while failing them on the final exam.
Looking ahead, Griffin predicts that managing inflation will be vital for political success, especially as midterm elections approach. He suggests voters will be keeping a close eye on their shrinking wallets when they head to the polls.
The timing of Griffin’s comments couldn’t be more relevant, coming during heated discussions about trade policy implementation. And while he’s known for his massive political donations to Republicans, he’s clearly not afraid to call out policies he sees as harmful – even if they’re coming from his own team. Sometimes you’ve got to tell your friends when they’re messing up, right?
