With the notable exception of the COVID vaccine, events have proven President Donald Trump correct on nearly every major controversy.
Moreover, during his second administration, no issue thus far should leave his critics more thoroughly chastened than trade and tariffs.
Tuesday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” 89-year-old billionaire and Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone had the integrity to admit that he got it wrong in his past criticism of Trump.
“If I told you how bullish I was, you wouldn’t believe it,” Langone said at the beginning of the interview. “I have never been more excited about the future of America than I am right now.”
Langone then listed the president’s performance as the primary reason for optimism.
“Like it or not, this guy’s getting things done,” the Home Depot co-founder said.
Next, Langone admitted that he once feared Trump would use his second term to exact vengeance on his enemies. So far that has not happened. Langone also praised the president for striking Iran’s nuclear facilities last month.
On the economy, Langone cited Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law on July 4, as cause for excitement.
“I was worried about inflation, and I was worried about the deficit,” Langone said. “[But] I think there’s a lot of merit to the notion that it’s gonna trigger such significant economic growth that we might see tax revenues going up through the profitability.”
Do you respect Langone having the courage to admit he was wrong?
Later in the interview, Langone amplified his praise of the president.
“I am sold on Trump,” the Home Depot co-founder said in a clip posted to the social media platform X. “In fact, I’ll say this. I think he’s got a good shot at going down in history as one of our best presidents ever.”
When co-host Rebecca Quick reminded him of his past objections to Trump, Langone called himself a “believer” now.
“What I’m seeing happening is absolutely nothing short of a great thing. And there’s a beat. People are walking with more bounce. It’s all around,” he added.
Then, co-host Joe Kernen reminded Langone of his reluctance to support Trump even against former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“When you made a mistake, admit it,” Langone replied.
🚨 BREAKING: In a stunning turnaround, the founder of HOME DEPOT, who did not want to vote for President Trump, is shocking the business world.
He also opposed tariffs.
Now?
“I am SOLD on Trump.”
“I think he’s got a good shot at going down in history as one of our best… pic.twitter.com/wH8gbimR7Z
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 15, 2025
Finally, in another part of the interview, Langone acknowledged that Trump had it right on tariffs, too.
“Initially, my concern was I don’t like tariffs. I like free trade,” Langone said in another clip posted to X. “However, I think, damn it, give Trump credit. His instincts are good. Some of these things need to be fixed.”
The Home Depot co-founder then cited unfair tariff rates on automobile sales in Germany as an example.
Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot: “Initially, my concern was I don’t like tariffs. However, I think, damn it, give Trump credit. His instincts are good. Some of these things need to be fixed.”pic.twitter.com/XfArZ6aBhj
— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) July 16, 2025
Credit Langone for admitting his error, especially on tariffs.
Moreover, the Home Depot co-founder hardly stands alone on that front. After initial jitters over tariffs in April, the stock market has soared.
That means, of course, that investors have acknowledged what some of us knew all along: Trump had it right. He usually does.
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