Sir Richard Branson has launched a sharp rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating trade policies, warning that the president’s tariffs and economic unpredictability are threatening global business stability and economic growth.
Speaking on Wednesday during the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s new daily route from London to Riyadh, the billionaire entrepreneur said Trump’s “erratic and unpredictable” trade approach — particularly the introduction of sweeping tariffs — poses serious risks to the global economy. His remarks, covered by the Financial Times, reflect growing unease among international business leaders as geopolitical tensions mount.
“If we take Virgin, our cruise ships were booming, our airline was booming, our health clubs were full… They’re still OK, but you just sort of feel… if he continues, he’s in such danger of doing so much damage in this world,” Branson said, referencing the potential fallout from ongoing U.S. trade restrictions.
Earlier this month, the U.S. government introduced a sweeping set of tariffs on a wide range of imported goods, triggering volatility in global markets. Although the White House subsequently announced a 90-day pause on some of the harshest measures — following a major market sell-off — Trump also escalated tensions with China by raising tariffs on most Chinese goods to as much as 145 percent, sparking fears of a prolonged trade war.
Branson, whose Virgin Group has investments in travel, entertainment, telecoms, and other industries, warned that Trump’s policies are already beginning to affect consumer behavior. Virgin Atlantic, which is 51% owned by Virgin Group and heavily reliant on transatlantic routes, has seen early signs of a slowdown.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, confirmed that some customers have delayed booking travel due to the rising uncertainty. “The uncertainty around trade and currency is making passengers pause,” he said.
Still, there may be a silver lining for the UK-based carrier: the weakening of the U.S. dollar — in part a reaction to Trump’s tariffs — could incentivize British tourists to take advantage of more affordable trips to the United States.
Nevertheless, Virgin Atlantic warned earlier this month that demand from U.S. travelers booking flights to Europe has softened. According to the Financial Times, this is one of the first tangible signs that trade tensions and political instability are beginning to impact transatlantic travel trends. A notable drop in European visitors to the U.S. has also been observed, amid growing concerns over strained diplomatic relations and tighter U.S. border policies.
Despite the headwinds, Virgin Atlantic is continuing to pursue growth in new markets. The airline announced plans to launch flights to South Korea starting in 2026, marking a significant expansion of its Asian network. “Whilst transatlantic travel remains core to our business, we are incredibly excited to expand our network in the east,” said Juha Järvinen, the airline’s chief commercial officer.
Branson’s comments add to a growing chorus of business leaders expressing concern over the direction of U.S. trade policy. With Trump’s tariffs reshaping the global trade landscape, the fallout is already rippling across industries — from airlines to shipping — and raising questions about the long-term stability of international commerce.
