Branson Blasts Trump Policies
April 23, 2025
Sir Richard Branson has issued a sharp rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump, criticising his trade policies and stance on Ukraine as detrimental to global stability and the aviation sector.
Speaking to UK national media before boarding a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Riyadh on Tuesday night, Branson condemned the U.S.’s shift in support for Ukraine, warning that it threatens global stability and undermines historical commitments.
He also denounced Trump’s imposition of trade tariffs, which he claims nearly triggered a worldwide economic meltdown and severely hurt business confidence, calling the move ‘erratic, unpredictable’ and ‘very difficult for business to deal with.’
Branson attributed these decisions to a small group of Trump advisors, asserting that most Americans disapprove of these actions. He acknowledged that while businesses and governments may adapt, the disruption is regrettable, noting a dip in demand for Virgin Atlantic U.S.-Europe flights, which was highlighted last month in the company’s financial results, due to rising inflation and reduced consumer confidence.
Despite these challenges, Virgin Atlantic announced earlier today that it is expanding its routes to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions, including a new service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Seoul, South Korea.
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