Charlie Munger, the Republican investor and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, had a nuanced relationship with former President Donald Trump, blending criticism and praise during Trump’s time in office.
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In February 2016, before Trump was elected, Munger was candid about his views. He stated that Trump wasn’t “morally qualified” for the presidency, questioning his suitability for the role, especially given his casino industry background.
However, as Trump’s presidency progressed, Munger’s tone shifted. By February 2017, just a month into Trump’s term, he made a surprising statement at the Daily Journal Corp. annual meeting. He said, "I've gotten more mellow. President Donald Trump is not wrong on everything. Just because he isn't like us, roll with it. And if there's a little danger, what the hell, you're not going to live forever anyway." This comment illustrated Munger's willingness to reconsider his stance and acknowledge that some of Trump's policies might have merit.
Munger further explained his evolving view. He cited specific policy decisions he appreciated, particularly the re-evaluation of the U.S. tax system, which he viewed as a positive development.
Despite this softened stance, Munger continued to criticize Trump. He expressed concern about Trump's attempts to influence Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on interest rates, warning about the long-term risks of keeping rates too low and the dangers of excessive money printing. He lamented the extreme partisanship that often impeded rational decision-making. Munger remarked, "Both parties are so partisan now that they're blinded by their anger," advocating for a more cooperative and less divisive political environment.
In a 2019 interview, Munger emphasized the need for better border control, stating, "I think we should have way more control over our borders than we do." He acknowledged the complexity of immigration issues and suggested that while the U.S. should remain welcoming, it must implement more rigorous controls to manage inflows effectively. He pointed out that "Donald Trump is right on that," referring to Trump's stance on border control, and criticized Democrats for opposing him out of sheer animosity. "They hate him so much that they're against him even when he's right," he said.
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Munger also praised Trump’s efforts to strengthen U.S.-China relations, noting a shift toward fostering a positive relationship rather than confrontational trade rhetoric. He commended Trump for refraining from labeling China a currency manipulator, a promise he made during his campaign, indicating a more diplomatic approach to international relations.
Although Munger passed away in November 2023 at the age of 99, his comments on Trump remain relevant as the country heads into another presidential election. His insights remind us that political views can be complex and that staying open to different perspectives is important, even when they come from unexpected places.
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