" CBS News correspondent Norah O'Donnell (at 6:42 in the clip) took the opportunity to also ask Buffett "a couple of questions" about the state of the economy.

His response, with a smile: "Well, I think that's the most interesting subject in the world, but I won't talk -- I can't talk about it. No, I really can't."
Without specifically referring to Trump, she followed with, "How do you think tariffs will affect the economy?"
"Tariffs are actually -- we've had a lot of experience with them...
"They're an act of war [laughs] to some degree."
How will tariffs impact inflation?
"Over time, they're a tax on goods. I mean ... you know, the tooth fairy doesn't pay 'em. I mean -- [Laughs]
"You always have to just -- and then what? You always have to ask that question in economics. Always say, 'And then what?'"

He deflected a question about "what's happening in Washington right now" by saying, "I think it's Washington... Washington is Washington

"The problem with politics is that -- you tend to have to make tiny compromises as you go along."

When asked about Elon Musk's "efforts to cut," he smiled.
Buffett did say he has spoken to Musk "a few times" but didn't offer any details.

When O'Donnell asked again what he thinks of what Musk is doing now, Buffett just laughed and shook his head no.


While Buffett publicly supported the presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the past, in recent years he has avoided expressing his political views.

In 2022, he told shareholders that some people opposed to his opinions will "take it out on our companies," hurting employees and shareholders.

"Well, I better not get into that. [Laughs]"