Has Trump Ruined America's Brand? Ken Griffin Sounds the Alarm!

Axe's Take: Griffin's Got a Point (Sort Of)

Alright folks let's break this down. Griffin the Citadel guy – sharp dresser even sharper mind – is worried about Trump's trade war. Says it's messing with America's 'brand.' Now I’m not one for brands. I’m one for results. But Griffin's onto something here. Perception is reality and right now the world's looking at the US like a loose cannon. It's like when you're playing poker and you go all in on a bluff…sometimes you win sometimes you get cleaned out. Trump seems to be all in all the time.

America: From Aspirant to Afterthought?

Griffin's waxing poetic about America being a 'universal brand,' an 'aspiration.' Give me a break. This is business not a freaking Disney movie. But his point about eroding that image? Valid. The world needs stability especially when it comes to money. And when the US Treasury market – the supposedly safest bet in the game – starts looking shaky everyone gets nervous. Nervous money runs. It's a rule. Remember 'What is money? Money is not what that other guy has. It's what you have.' And right now people are wondering if they should have it somewhere else.

Treasury Trouble: Is the Dollar Doomed?

Treasury yields rising dollar weakening…it's not a good look. Investors are sniffing around wondering if the US is still the safest port in a storm. And when that doubt creeps in alternatives start looking real good. This isn't just about dollars and cents. It's about confidence. And Trump's trade shenanigans are shaking that confidence like a martini in a Bond film.

Griffin the Republican: Biting the Hand That Feeds?

Here’s the kicker: Griffin voted for Trump gave him a wad of cash. Now he's calling his rhetoric 'bombastic.' Sounds like someone's having buyer's remorse. Politics like investing is all about risk assessment. And maybe Griffin's realizing he backed the wrong horse. Happens to the best of us. But as I always say 'A good matador is always confident.' So let's see how Griffin plays this.

Respect the Brand: Easier Said Than Done

Griffin's preaching about respecting the brand. Says it takes a lifetime to repair damage. He's right! But the question is does Trump even care? He's playing a different game rewriting the rules as he goes. Maybe he's a genius maybe he's a maniac. Time will tell. And let's not forget this market is never boring. There's always opportunity to be made... or lost.

CNBC Pro Live: Axe's Pro Tip?

CNBC Pro Live at the New York Stock Exchange? Sounds like a fancy sausage fest for finance nerds. But hey knowledge is power and in this game power is everything. So if you're into that sort of thing go rub elbows with the experts. Just remember don't believe everything you hear. Do your own homework. And always *always* trust your gut.