Billionaire Anthony Pratt’s decision to pack up and head to America for good is a move that might shock some folks Down Under, but in reality, it makes perfect sense. Pratt, the billionaire businessman who turned a struggling Georgia paper mill into one of the most successful recycling operations in America, has been pouring his time, money, and heart into this country for decades. And now, with a green card in hand, he’s making his residency official.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Pratt laid out why he’s decided to settle in the U.S. He pointed to family, business, and a commitment to American workers. “My whole family are U.S. citizens, I’ve spent the last 30 years building 70 factories in the U.S., and those investments created 12,000 well-paying jobs,” he said. It’s clear Pratt values America’s potential and has done his part to create opportunities for Americans. The guy’s building up the kind of industries we need—manufacturing plants that stay on U.S. soil, support U.S. families, and boost U.S. businesses.
Of course, let’s not ignore the timing here. Trump’s recent victory has sent a message to business leaders worldwide that America’s back in business. The regulatory overreach and anti-business policies pushed by Democrats left folks like Pratt second-guessing the future, but with Trump at the helm, there’s a clear signal that business and innovation are welcome again. As someone who knows how to get things done, Pratt’s move to the U.S. is a testament to the renewed confidence real leaders feel toward America. Expect more entrepreneurs to follow his lead as Trump clears the path for growth and investment.
And this move isn’t just about expanding his paper and packaging empire, which is now the fifth-largest box manufacturer in America with a presence in over 25 states. It’s also a strong statement of confidence in the direction this country’s heading under President-elect Donald Trump. Pratt’s long-standing friendship with Trump is no secret. Some reports have even tried to make a mountain out of a molehill over a conversation they had back in 2021 at Mar-a-Lago, claiming Pratt may have shared sensitive U.S. submarine information with Australian contacts. But, of course, former Australian PMs have debunked the idea, and Pratt clarified he wasn’t even certain of Trump’s claims but shared the details to highlight his advocacy for Australia’s interests.
What’s truly impressive about Pratt’s business success is his commitment to sustainability—yes, real sustainability, not the sort of buzzword-laden nonsense we hear from climate-obsessed politicians. Instead of relying on chopping down trees, Pratt’s companies recycle waste materials. He turned what could have been a dead-end venture into a powerhouse by recycling paper that would otherwise head to landfills. This move cut costs and emissions and made a real difference to cities across America.
It’s refreshing to see a businessman who walks the walk—one who creates jobs, boosts the economy, and values real connections with the communities he serves. Democrats might wring their hands and criticize, but this is the kind of investment and job creation that America needs more of, not more government handouts and hollow promises. With Trump set to lead the country again, business-minded leaders like Pratt can finally get the respect—and the results—they deserve. America is open for business, and folks like Anthony Pratt are leading the way.