Top Republican donors are sounding off.
Dollar Weakness Sparks Concern Among Top Financial Leaders
Citadel CEO and longtime GOP donor Ken Griffin has sounded the alarm about the U.S. economy, pointing to a weakening dollar and growing global uncertainty amid new trade policies.
Speaking at the World Economy Summit with Semafor’s Gina Chon, Griffin warned that the United States “has become 20 percent poorer in four weeks” due to the dollar’s rapid decline. Since the start of 2025, the U.S. dollar index has dropped over 9%, raising fresh concerns among investors and business leaders.
Tariffs and Trade Policies Under Scrutiny
President Trump’s America First agenda, which includes new tariffs to protect American workers and industries, has drawn both strong support and cautious criticism.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration introduced a 10% baseline tariff on most foreign imports, along with higher “reciprocal” taxes on countries that heavily tax U.S. goods. While many conservatives praise the move as overdue, Griffin and some economists warn that these measures could lead to short-term economic turbulence.
Risk to America’s Global Reputation
Griffin emphasized the importance of America’s financial reputation on the world stage.
“We’re putting America’s financial brand at risk,” he said. “It can take a lifetime to rebuild the trust we’ve earned.”
He expressed particular concern about the impact on allies like Canada and Europe, following the imposition of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from neighboring countries.
“How does Canada feel about America today versus two months ago? How does Europe feel?” Griffin asked. “It matters — especially with the Western world facing a growing debt crisis.”
Will New Tariffs Boost U.S. Manufacturing?
While President Trump’s vision is to bring factories back to American soil, Griffin questioned whether current global conditions will encourage immediate investment.
“I’ll tell you what’s not going to happen: foreign companies rushing to build new manufacturing plants in America,” Griffin said, pointing to uncertainty in policy as a major hurdle.
Nevertheless, many patriotic Americans believe that rebuilding U.S. manufacturing and standing firm on fair trade is a fight worth having — even if it comes with challenges along the way.
U.S. Industries Bracing for Higher Costs
American industries that rely on imported materials — including automakers, construction companies, and beverage producers — are expected to see rising costs. The price of steel and aluminum has already started to climb, squeezing businesses that support millions of American jobs.
Economists warn that continued trade tensions could increase the risk of a recession if not carefully managed. Still, supporters of the President argue that restoring fairness to global trade deals is essential for long-term prosperity.
Standing Strong for America’s Future
While concerns from financial leaders like Ken Griffin deserve attention, millions of Americans continue to stand behind President Trump’s efforts to put U.S. workers first.
As debates over trade and tariffs continue, one thing remains clear: protecting American jobs, industries, and financial independence must always be a top priority.
