Corporate Mogul Changes His Mind About Trump, Calls Him 'One of the Best Presidents Ever'

Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone once slammed President Trump’s trade policy as “bullsh\t.” But now, just six months into Trump’s second term, Langone says he’s completely sold—and he’s not alone.

Key Facts:

Ken Langone publicly reversed his previous opposition to Trump’s trade policy during a July appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Langone previously called Trump’s tariffs “bullsh\t” when first announced in April but now supports them as necessary corrections.
He cited unfair car tariffs from Germany and Japan and praised Trump’s foreign policy moves and economic impact.
Langone said Trump is “making $3 trillion” in the Middle East and may be remembered as one of the best presidents in U.S. history.
Langone had supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 primaries and said he felt “betrayed” by Trump over January 6 but has since changed his mind.

The Rest of The Story:

Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot, admitted Tuesday on CNBC that he misjudged President Trump’s trade policies.

Once an outspoken critic of Trump’s use of tariffs, Langone now says the president’s approach to trade imbalances—especially with nations like Germany and Japan—is not only justified but effective.

Langone pointed out the discrepancy in car tariffs: a 10% tariff on American cars in Germany versus only 2.5% on German cars in the U.S. “That’s wrong,” he said.

He applauded Trump for taking action to fix long-standing issues that had disadvantaged American industries for decades.

He also praised Trump’s accomplishments abroad.

“He’s making $3 trillion,” Langone said about Trump’s deals in the Middle East.

He added, “I am sold on Trump… I think he’s got a good shot at going down in history as one of our best presidents ever.”

Langone’s turnaround appears to be both economic and personal.

After initially backing Nikki Haley and criticizing Trump post–January 6, Langone is now calling Trump’s leadership “nothing short of a great thing.”

Home Depot Co-Founder Ken Langone:

"I am sold on Trump…he's got a good shot at going down in history as one of our best presidents ever."

CNBC: "That is a real turnaround, you didn't want to vote for him."

LANGONE: "When you made a mistake admit it." pic.twitter.com/PJNoB2qjqO

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 15, 2025

Commentary:

Ken Langone’s reversal is no small matter. This is a man who once rejected Trump over deeply personal convictions.

For him to now back the president so strongly shows that real-world results are changing minds.

What happened? Trump delivered. In just six months, Trump pushed forward on multiple fronts.

Tariffs once mocked as reckless are now seen as smart, targeted strategies to level the playing field.

Germany and Japan can no longer skate by on lopsided trade deals that hurt U.S. manufacturers and workers.

Then there’s the Middle East. Deals Trump has brokered are translating into serious economic gains.

Langone points to $3 trillion in value—numbers that are hard to ignore. And unlike previous administrations, Trump is holding foreign nations accountable without starting new wars.

Legendary Home Depot founder Ken Langone: "Initially, my concern was I don't like tariffs. However, I think — damn it, give Trump credit. His instincts are good. Some of these things need to be fixed." pic.twitter.com/9nOZ6cAM4d

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 15, 2025

Trump’s pressure on NATO allies to pay their fair share, his aggressive stance on Iran, and his insistence on reciprocal trade all reflect a broader shift.

He’s changing how the world does business with America. And it’s working.

Langone—like many business leaders—was cautious. He supported Haley, distanced himself from January 6, and resisted Trump’s style.

But leadership isn’t about likability. It’s about results. And Langone sees results.

This shift also speaks to a bigger trend. As Trump racks up wins on tariffs, foreign policy, and economic growth, others who were hesitant may soon follow Langone’s lead.

Policies that were once controversial are proving effective. The scoreboard is beginning to show just how different this term may be.