Billionaire Issues Warning To Trump
Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager and strong supporter of President Donald J. Trump, is urging the administration to temporarily ease the new tariffs on global imports, warning they may unintentionally crush the very heart of the American economy: small businesses.
Tariffs Designed to Protect American Jobs Could Backfire Without Adjustment, Says Investor
Ackman took to social media platform X this week, calling for a 90-day pause on the sweeping tariffs that took effect Wednesday. The Trump administration’s move includes a 10% base tariff on all imports, even everyday essentials like coffee and tea, which were historically exempt. Some countries now face even steeper trade penalties as part of Trump’s broader “America First” economic agenda.
“Without a temporary halt to the tariffs, countless small businesses could face closure,” Ackman warned. “And it won’t stop there — mid-sized companies are at risk too.”
“No Domestic Alternative”: U.S. Can’t Grow Coffee or Tea at Scale
Ackman, who has invested in numerous startup companies, says he’s already hearing from business owners who are seeing profit margins shrink rapidly due to rising costs. For some industries, he explained, there’s simply no way to “reshore” or produce domestically — at least not yet.
“The U.S. doesn’t grow coffee at a commercial scale, and domestic tea production is virtually nonexistent,” Ackman said. “There’s no viable domestic substitute, short-term or long-term.”
Support for Trump’s Vision — With Strategic Caution
Despite his warnings, Ackman reaffirmed his support for President Trump’s bold trade policies and his mission to rebalance international trade in favor of American workers and manufacturers.
“Tariffs are an important tool to bring foreign competitors to the table,” Ackman said, “but a short pause will allow the President to accomplish his objectives without putting American entrepreneurs out of business.”
Small Business Owners Already Feeling the Heat
Recent polling from the National Small Business Association reveals that 42% of small businesses are already experiencing higher operational costs due to the new import taxes. Another 30% reported shipping delays and fulfillment issues, complicating efforts to stay afloat.
These tariffs, although aimed at protecting American-made products and U.S. manufacturing jobs, could create unintended strain on family-owned companies and small-town employers.
Trump: “It’s Time to Reset the Table on Trade”
Still, President Trump remains firm in his approach, calling the tariffs a necessary part of rebuilding American independence in global trade and ensuring U.S. economic security.
“We have an opportunity to change the fabric of our country,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “We have an opportunity to reset the table on trade.”
Bottom Line: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain — Or a Red Flag for Main Street?
While Wall Street reacts and global markets shift, many conservative business owners, retirees, and investors are weighing the long-term benefits of the tariffs against the short-term pain for small businesses.
As America continues to fight for fair trade deals, the conversation now turns to how best to protect the backbone of the U.S. economy — the hardworking entrepreneurs who keep Main Street America alive.
