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Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a recent interview, Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, offered a sobering perspective on the future of the United States under a potential Kamala Harris administration. According a report on the Vois Es Nais web site, his remarks, which have sparked attention across political and financial spheres, centered on growing “weakness in the executive branch,” a concern that has already manifested under the current Biden administration. Ackman did not mince words, suggesting that a Harris presidency could escalate global dangers, painting a bleak picture of America’s role on the world stage should she take the helm.
.@BillAckman outlines the reasons why he’s supporting @realDonaldTrump, ranging from foreign policy to leadership strength: pic.twitter.com/t5WV0tU7yn
— Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) October 23, 2024
Ackman’s critique of Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, hinges on a leadership vacuum within the executive branch. Although he didn’t offer specific examples tied directly to Harris’s policy track record, his comments suggest broader concerns about the trajectory of leadership in Washington. The VIN report noted that his use of the term “weakness” indicates a belief that the current administration has failed to assert itself in a way that reassures both the domestic population and international allies. This deficiency in leadership, in Ackman’s view, could extend into a Harris presidency, exacerbating global instability and making the world “a much more dangerous place.”
His assertion is reflective of broader anxieties within certain segments of the U.S. electorate and business community who question Harris’s qualifications for the presidency. Her tenure as Vice President has been met with a range of opinions, some positive and others deeply critical, with opponents frequently questioning her leadership style, policy expertise, and ability to navigate international crises, according to the information provided in the VIN report. Ackman’s concerns appear to echo the latter, specifically regarding Harris’s capacity to project strength in a world where geopolitical threats—from authoritarian regimes to rising global conflicts—demand firm, decisive leadership.
Interestingly, Ackman’s skepticism about a potential Harris presidency contrasts sharply with his vocal support for former President Donald Trump. According to Ackman, Trump remains the only candidate focused on policies that can “accelerate the growth of the country.” This is a significant endorsement, given Ackman’s stature in the financial world and his track record of publicly weighing in on major political and economic issues.
Ackman’s favorable stance toward Trump seems to stem from a belief in Trump’s economic vision. He credits the former president with prioritizing policies that could drive economic growth—a message that may resonate with investors and the business community at large. VIN reported that during his presidency, Trump implemented tax cuts, deregulation, and pro-business policies that were highly popular in certain economic circles, and Ackman appears to believe that a return to those policies could provide the country with a much-needed economic boost. In a time of uncertainty marked by inflation, global market volatility, and domestic political strife, Ackman’s support for Trump seems grounded in a belief that Trump’s economic strategies align more closely with the needs of the U.S. economy.
Ackman’s critique of Harris’s potential leadership could be reflective of a broader concern among centrist and right-leaning individuals who are wary of her ability to project the kind of executive strength they believe is necessary for America’s security and global standing. As per the VIN report, his comments also highlight the deep polarization within the political discourse, where even prominent business leaders feel compelled to weigh in on candidates based on their leadership qualities, rather than just policies.
Despite his personal political opinions, Ackman took care to clarify that Pershing Square Capital Management, his hedge fund, has not made any investment bets based on the outcome of the 2024 presidential race, according to the information contained in the VIN report. This distinction is crucial, as it reinforces Ackman’s apolitical approach to his firm’s financial strategies, even while he voices his concerns about political leadership. “We have no bets in the portfolio on the basis of who’s going to be president,” Ackman emphasized during the interview, underscoring that his firm’s focus remains on sound investment strategies, not political speculation.
This approach is consistent with Pershing Square’s history of maintaining a disciplined focus on long-term value creation, regardless of political shifts. It also reflects the larger reality that, while politics can have significant implications for markets, savvy investors often prioritize fundamentals and market dynamics over political outcomes, the VIN report observed. By stressing his firm’s neutrality, Ackman may be signaling to investors and stakeholders that, while his personal views on leadership are strong, they do not influence the financial decisions that affect Pershing Square’s portfolio.
Ackman’s willingness to speak out on political issues is part of a larger trend of business leaders increasingly weighing in on national and global matters. In recent years, figures such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Jamie Dimon have become more vocal about their views on government policies, social issues, and even political candidates. This shift reflects the growing recognition that the intersection of business and politics is unavoidable, particularly when policies can have such direct and profound impacts on economic growth, market stability, and regulatory environments.
Ackman’s remarks about Harris, Trump, and the state of the executive branch represent a continuation of this trend. VIN reported that while his primary identity is that of an investor, his opinions carry weight beyond Wall Street. By framing his concerns within the context of global security and leadership strength, Ackman is signaling that, for business leaders like himself, political leadership is not just about policy—it’s about the perception of strength, decisiveness, and global influence.
