Prominent billionaire and fund manager Bill Ackman is pleading with the US government to delay its sweeping new tariff measures, warning that without a pause, the world could face “a major global economic disruption.” The call comes just as markets are reeling from the Trump administration’s latest protectionist policies.
Ackman Breaks Ranks With Trump on Tariff Rollout
Ackman, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice concern over the speed at which the new tariffs are being implemented. While he agrees that tariffs can be a useful tool for addressing “unfair trading practices,” Ackman argued that not giving trade partners time to adjust could create unnecessary damage.
“A pause of 30, 60, or 90 days will prevent a major global economic disruption that would harm the most vulnerable companies and citizens of our country,” he posted.
Corporate America Raises Alarm Bells
Ackman’s warning adds to a growing chorus of concern from high-profile executives and financial leaders. The new tariffs, critics say, risk inflaming tensions, prompting global retaliation, and igniting inflation—all of which could eventually push the economy into recession.
The billionaire investor had previously used dire language to describe the situation, warning that unresolved “asymmetric tariff deals” could cause an “economic nuclear winter.”
Divisions Inside Trump’s Inner Circle
The new trade policy is reportedly sowing discord within Trump’s inner circle. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, is said to be at odds with Peter Navarro, the administration’s top trade adviser and the architect of the tariff plan.
Despite internal tensions and external criticism, the administration appears determined to stick to its guns. Trump’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs” are set to go live on Wednesday.
Experts Warn of Blowback
Think tanks and economists are also weighing in. The Center for Strategic and International Studies warned that “this coercive approach could backfire by prompting retaliatory measures, disrupting global value chains, and incentivizing long-term decoupling from U.S. markets.”
Markets are already reflecting these fears. In the two trading sessions following the initial tariff announcement on April 2, the S&P 500 dropped a staggering 10.5%, wiping out nearly $5 trillion in value. It was the most significant two-day market drop since the COVID-related crash of March 2020.
As pressure mounts both at home and abroad, the world watches to see whether the administration will hold firm—or hit pause—in the face of rising economic uncertainty.