Overview

• In a CNBC interview, the Citadel CEO said deals that let large companies sidestep tariffs are unfair and violate the country’s principles.
• Griffin warned that “when the state becomes involved in picking winners and losers, all of us lose,” calling the rush for exemptions “nauseating.”
• He described tariffs as a de facto national sales tax that takes a larger share from lower-income households.
• His remarks followed Trump proposals that include a 100% tariff on semiconductor imports with exemptions for firms pledging U.S. investment, and limited China chip sales by Nvidia and AMD in exchange for a 15% cut of their China revenue to the government.
• He cautioned that companies striking deals with the current White House face reputational risk and potential renegotiation under a future president, saying advantage shifts from innovation to securing favors in Washington.