Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Warren Buffett
Public opinion and media debates around Warren Buffett—discover key moments of controversy.
Warren Buffett is a highly successful American investor and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is renowned as one of the world's best investors. His net worth is estimated to be around $149.6 billion as of February 2025, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
1989: Acquisition of Private Jet
In 1989, Warren Buffett acquired a private jet for Berkshire Hathaway for approximately $6.7 million, later naming it "The Indefensible".
2004: Lambasts Stock Option Compensation Bill
At the 2004 annual meeting, Buffett criticized a bill before the United States Congress regarding company-issued stock options compensation, likening it to an attempt to legislate the value of Pi.
2006: Commented on Tax Rates
In 2006, Buffett stated that he only paid 19% of his income in federal taxes while his employees paid 33% of theirs.
2006: Disowning of Adopted Granddaughter
In 2006, Warren Buffett disowned his son Peter's adopted daughter, Nicole, after she participated in a documentary about economic inequality.
2009: Sale of Johnson and Johnson Shares
In 2009, Warren Buffett sold shares of Johnson and Johnson. The sale totaled $80 million in value. This was later highlighted in a ProPublica article.
June 2010: Defense of Credit-Rating Agencies
In June 2010, Warren Buffett defended the credit-rating agencies for their role in the U.S. financial crisis.
2010: Commented on Healthcare Costs
In 2010, Buffett said that it was not sustainable for the U.S. to devote 17% of its GDP to healthcare expenditure.
2012: Sale of Walmart and Wells Fargo Shares
In 2012, Warren Buffett sold shares of Walmart and Wells Fargo. The sale totaled $80 million in value. This was later highlighted in a ProPublica article.
August 20, 2014: Berkshire Hathaway Fined for Reporting Failure
On August 20, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway was fined $896,000 for failing to report the December 9, 2013 purchase of shares in USG Corporation as required.
January 2018: Comments on Bitcoin
In January 2018, Buffett commented on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, saying the craze would "not end well" and called it "rat poison squared."
2023: ProPublica Article on Equity Trades
In 2023, a ProPublica article based on leaked IRS data alleged that Warren Buffett made equity trades in his personal portfolio involving companies that Berkshire Hathaway bought or sold, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
