Warren Buffett clarifies stance on endorsements

Warren Buffett has made a significant announcement regarding the 2024 presidential election. The 94-year-old billionaire and philanthropist clarified his stance on political endorsements amid widespread speculation and false claims. In a statement on his Berkshire Hathaway company website, Buffett said, “Mr. Buffett does not currently and will not prospectively endorse investment products or support political candidates.” This comes as the nation prepares for a close and contentious election campaign. Buffett, known for previously endorsing Democratic candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, addressed rumors and impersonation attempts on social media. He told CNBC, “I’m worried about people impersonating me, and that’s why we put that on the Berkshire website.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity, urging the public to disregard claims suggesting he was advising on investments or political decisions. “Nobody should believe anybody saying I’m telling them how to invest or how to vote,” Buffett asserted.

Buffett’s stand on political endorsements

Despite his past vocal support for Democrats, Buffett has chosen to remain neutral in the 2024 election. This contrasts with his sharp critiques of Donald Trump in 2016, particularly concerning tax transparency and business ethics. Buffett’s decision aligns with other prominent billionaires like Jeff Bezos, who also refrains from political endorsements this cycle. However, Elon Musk has openly supported Trump, while Bill Gates has financially backed Kamala Harris’s campaign without an official endorsement. As the election approaches, polls indicate a deadlock between the candidates across battleground states. Buffett’s stance adds unpredictability to the race, highlighting the complexity and high stakes of the upcoming election on November 5. With the political landscape heating up, it remains crucial for voters to discern genuine endorsements from fictitious claims, ensuring informed and authentic decision-making at the polls.