Charlie Munger warned us back in 2011: “The last person that I’d want to be President of the United States is Donald Trump”

Donald Trump is President of the United States. This is the second time that enough of the American people – or at least the appropriate split of them across the Electoral College – have decided to vote for him to lead the country from the White House. This should not be news to you.

Likewise, unless you’ve just landed from another planet, you’ll also be more than aware of the visceral feelings of love and hate that he provokes. Staunch followers seem blind to his shortcomings. Detractors struggle to see through his mirky past and questionable statements. But what about before he took office? Away from the emotion, how was he perceived by already successful business people?

“Donald Trump’s qualities make him unsuitable for the office”

One person who was asked, back in 2011, was the investor Charlie Munger. Bear in mind this was five years before Trump would beat Hilary Clinton to the keys to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but rumors were rife that he was keen to swap inconsequential TV decision making for much more significant ones that would affect millions, at home and abroad. Munger wasn’t shy in sharing his concerns over this.

“Would Donald Trump make a strong president?” came the simple question. A pause followed, as the highly respected businessman considered his response.

“Well, he might be quite decisive,” began Munger, clearly holding back his true thoughts. But not for long.

“But do I consider Donald Trump an ideal decision maker or manager of anything? And the answer is no. And the last person, almost, I’d want to be President of the United States is Donald Trump.”

Pushed on specifics, he appeared to have rather a clear list.

“I think he has qualities that make him unsuitable for the office. Vain glory, puffery to a large extent… I could go on and on.”

He decided not to take up any more time on that though.

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