Warren Buffett is bidding farewell – and speaking plainly: at the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ meeting, the 94-year-old criticizes Donald Trump’s trade policy and announces his retirement. A final statement with impact.

He is a living legend in the financial world: Warren Buffett, 94 years old and known worldwide as the “Oracle of Omaha,” not only announced his retirement at the annual shareholders’ meeting of his investment company Berkshire Hathaway on Saturday, but also voiced strong criticism of Donald Trump’s trade policy. As reported by the news agency AP and several US business portals (including CNBC and Bloomberg), Buffett spoke openly about his concern that the US is increasingly using its trade relations as a means of exerting pressure – and could thus isolate itself internationally.

Harsh words on foreign trade: “A big mistake”

According to AP, Buffett said:

“In my opinion, it’s a big mistake when you have 7.5 billion people who don’t particularly like you and 300 million who are happy about how well they’ve done.”

He was referring directly to Trump’s previous tariff policy toward China and the EU. The multi-billionaire went on to explain that while trade “can be an act of war,” the US would be better advised to seek economic cooperation rather than confrontation.

As reported by Bloomberg, Buffett called for a return to the international division of labor:

“We in the United States should do what we do best and let other countries do what they do best.” He cited historical examples such as the export of tobacco and cotton in the 18th century.

Buffett announces retirement – Greg Abel takes over

Later in the day, according to CNBC, Buffett followed up with what was probably the most important news: he would be stepping down from the operational management of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025. In the future, Greg Abel, 62, a long-time top manager at the company, will take over the reins. Buffett himself wants to remain available as an advisor, as Reuters adds, but emphasized that the decisions would lie solely with Abel in the future.

Despite criticism, Buffett remains optimistic about the US

Despite geopolitical tensions, Buffett remains true to his convictions: he believes in the strength of American society. Speaking to around 40,000 guests at the annual general meeting, he said:

“If I were born today, I would negotiate in the womb until they told me, ‘You can live in the United States.’”

(Source: AP)

Hillary Clinton among the guests – and an investor with $800,000 in profits

The annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting in Omaha attracts not only investors but also celebrities – Hillary Clinton was among the guests. According to CNN, she was the last presidential candidate Buffett publicly supported.

The 73-year-old Linda Smith had a special story to tell, which was reported in detail by the AP. As a young student, she had lived with Buffett’s sister, who recommended that she buy shares in the confectionery manufacturer See’s Candy – a company owned by Berkshire. Smith invested her first salaries in the stock – today her shares are worth around $800,000.

“I really enjoy listening to Warren Buffett – especially this year. After everything that’s happened.”

Conclusion

Warren Buffett is bidding farewell with a clear message: economic reason instead of nationalistic solo efforts. With his criticism of Donald Trump, his unshakeable belief in the US and his orderly retirement, the “Oracle of Omaha” is once again demonstrating his stance – even at the age of 94.