By Carolina Mandl

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Citadel’s founder and CEO Kenneth Griffin stated on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration should be cautious about the potential impact on the creditworthiness of U.S. Treasuries.

> “We put that brand at risk,” he expressed at a conference hosted by Semafor. “The President, the Secretary of Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce need to be very thoughtful that when you have a brand, you need to behave in a way that respects that brand, that strengthens that brand, because when you tarnish that brand, it can take a lifetime to repair the damage that has been done.”

These remarks follow recent dislocations in the Treasuries market triggered by tariffs. During the week of April 7, yields jumped significantly, marking the largest weekly increase since 2001 amid a sell-off.

Griffin, a Republican who supported Trump in the November election, stated he does not oppose tariffs but believes the trade war is heading toward a “nonsensical place.”

> “People are not going to build manufacturing in America because, with the policy volatility, you actually undermine the very goal you’re trying to achieve,” asserted the founder of a multi-billion dollar hedge fund and market maker.

As Trump’s administration nears its first 100 days, Griffin described the accomplishments to date as mixed. He criticized the turmoil from tariffs, yet complimented the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting efforts and immigration policies at the southern border.