Citadel’s Griffin Warns of Trade Policy Brand Damage

Ken Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, voiced concerns over President Donald Trump’s international trade policies, warning that they could damage the United States’ esteemed global reputation and jeopardize the credibility of its government bond market.

“America is not just a country; it’s a universal brand,” Griffin stated during his remarks at Semafor’s World Economy Summit in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. He emphasized the cultural and military significance of the U.S., saying, “We are eroding that brand right now,” noting that many around the world view America as an aspiration.

This month, Trump’s announcement of the highest tariffs on imports in decades sent shockwaves through global markets, leading to significant volatility on Wall Street. Shortly thereafter, the president declared a 90-day hiatus on many of the tariff increases, with the exception of China, as negotiations with various countries continued.

In response to this political upheaval, Treasury yields have climbed while the dollar has weakened, signaling a shift as investors appear to be reconsidering the U.S. as the default safe haven for their capital.

Griffin remarked, “In the financial markets, no brand compares to the U.S. Treasury market, or the strength of the U.S. dollar. The creditworthiness of U.S. Treasurys is unmatched. We are putting that brand at risk.” His hedge fund reportedly managed over $65 billion in assets at the start of 2025.