Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old billionaire investor and long-serving CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has officially announced his retirement, marking the end of a legendary era in American business. In his nearly five-hour address, Buffett stressed a stern warning about the ongoing U.S. trade war, which he described as economically damaging and contrary to national interest.
“Trade should not be a weapon,” he stated, calling for the United States to strengthen global trade ties instead of isolating itself. Without naming any political figures, Buffett’s remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke of the tariff policies introduced under President Trump, which have sparked widespread uncertainty in financial markets and disrupted business planning.
Buffett emphasized the broader implications of prosperity through global cooperation, asserting that “the more prosperous the rest of the world becomes, the more prosperous we’ll become, and the safer we’ll feel.” His remarks resonated with attendees and drew applause, reaffirming his long-held belief in open markets and international collaboration.
Saturday’s event was not only notable for Buffett’s retirement announcement but also for Berkshire Hathaway’s financial update. The conglomerate reported a sharp decline in quarterly profits and cautioned that the effects of tariffs on its wide-ranging businesses remain uncertain but potentially harmful.
As the face of Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, Buffett transformed the once-struggling textile company into one of the world’s largest and most diverse enterprises, with holdings in insurance, railways, consumer goods, and significant stakes in giants like Apple and Coca-Cola. His influence has made the annual meeting a rare corporate phenomenon, a mix of investor forum, retail fair, and public celebration of American capitalism.
The event drew nearly 20,000 visitors to the exhibition hall showcasing Berkshire’s brands, with many departing with branded merchandise and memorabilia, including See’s Candies, Fruit of the Loom apparel, and Squishmallow toys inspired by Buffett and his late partner Charlie Munger.
In the meeting, he confirmed that Greg Abel, his long-designated successor, will assume the role by the end of the year. Buffett concluded his final meeting with humor and humility, noting that the audience’s enthusiastic farewell “can be interpreted in two ways.”
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