In a Slap to Trump, His Big Donor John Paulson Moves Factory to China

Cue the sad trombone: Hedge fund billionaire John Paulson — a major Trump donor and advocate of tariffs — is shuttering his Ohio brass instrument plant and offshoring work to China, according to a new report, Brendan Rascius reported for The Independent.

Employees said the company unveiled a new plant in China in 2025 and that work has gradually shifted there. (Photo: Conn Selmer Facebook)

Paulson’s company, Conn Selmer, the nation’s top maker of orchestral and brass instruments, notified employees that it will shift most of its Eastlake plant operations to Asia by July, triggering about 150 layoffs, The Guardian also reported.

Employees were informed of the decision last month, when they had expected to negotiate a new union contract, according to United Auto Workers Local 2359, which represents the workers.

Paulson has also faced personal controversy in the past, reportedly presenting his girlfriend as his wife at social events and fundraisers, sparking domestic disputes.

Employees said the company unveiled a new plant in China in 2025 and that work has gradually shifted there. However, Ohio workers had previously been told their jobs were not in jeopardy.

Workers expressed deep dissatisfaction with the decision, with one saying, “It really pisses me off,” and another saying they felt “betrayed.”

A representative for Conn Selmer confirmed that, if a “tentative decision” is finalized, the firm will move some production out of the country, according to the outlet.