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, a conglomerate holding company. His exceptional investment acumen has made him one of the most renowned investors globally. As of May 2025, Buffett's estimated net worth is approximately $160.2 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals in the world. He is widely respected for his value investing philosophy and long-term investment strategies.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1974: SEC Investigation into Wesco Financial Acquisition

In 1974, the SEC opened a formal investigation into Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of Wesco Financial, due to possible conflict of interest.

1989: Purchase of Private Jet

In 1989, Warren Buffett spent nearly $6.7 million of Berkshire's funds on a private jet, which he named "The Indefensible", later renamed "The Indispensable".

1990: Scandal involving John Gutfreund

In 1990, a scandal involving John Gutfreund (former CEO of Salomon Brothers) surfaced.

March 15, 2005: Greenberg Resigns from AIG

On March 15, 2005, the AIG board forced Greenberg to resign from his post as chairman and CEO.

February 9, 2006: AIG Agrees to Pay Fine

On February 9, 2006, AIG agreed to pay a $1.6 billion fine.

2006: Disowning of Nicole Buffett

In 2006, Warren Buffett disowned his son Peter's adopted daughter, Nicole, after she participated in the Jamie Johnson documentary The One Percent.

2007: Subprime mortgage crisis criticism

During the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007, part of the Great Recession starting in 2007, Warren Buffett faced criticism for allocating capital too early, resulting in suboptimal deals. He also called the downturn in the financial sector that started in 2007 "poetic justice".

2007: Testimony Before the Senate on Estate Tax

In 2007, Warren Buffett testified before the Senate, advocating for the preservation of the estate tax to prevent a plutocracy. He argued against repealing it, comparing it to unfairly selecting the 2020 Olympic team. Some critics suggested that Berkshire Hathaway had a vested interest in maintaining the estate tax.

2009: Sale of Johnson & Johnson Shares

In 2009, Warren Buffett sold shares of Johnson and Johnson. The sales of the shares during 2009 and 2012 were totaling $80 million in value.

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, claiming:

2010: Settlement with Gen Re

In 2010, the U.S. government agreed to a $92 million settlement with Gen Re, allowing the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary to avoid prosecution in the AIG case.

2012: Sale of shares

In 2012, Warren Buffett sold shares of Walmart and Wells Fargo. The sales of the shares during 2009 and 2012 were totaling $80 million in value.

January 2018: Comments on Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

In January 2018, Warren Buffett commented on the Bitcoin craze. He stated that the craze over Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies won't end well, referring to it later in the year as '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 during the same or prior quarter, raising conflict of interest concerns.