Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, publicly criticized President Trump's trade policies, labeling them "erratic" and damaging to the global economy. He highlighted the unpredictability as detrimental to businesses worldwide, causing delays in investment and spending decisions.
Branson directly opposed Trump's heavy tariffs on imports, including those from allies. He also condemned Trump's stance on the Ukraine war, believing it places America on the wrong side of history.
Branson's outspoken criticism is notable, as many business leaders avoid publicly antagonizing the Trump administration. He believes the policies are driven by a small elite, lacking the support of most Americans, whom he describes as decent individuals. He expressed sadness over the situation.
Branson stated that the tariffs caused significant financial harm, nearly leading to a global meltdown. His comments were reported by several reputable news outlets including The Telegraph, The Times of London, and the Financial Times.