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Trump’s Tariffs Wipe $80 Billion Off Big Tech Fortunes

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 9, 2025

Tech’s biggest names—Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg—are taking a financial hit as President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs send shockwaves through the market. Since the president’s self-proclaimed ‘Liberation Day’ on April 2, the three billionaires have collectively lost $80 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.

Musk’s Fortune Plummets As Tesla Struggles

Among Trump’s most vocal supporters in the tech industry, Elon Musk has suffered the sharpest decline. The Tesla CEO’s net worth hit a peak of $486 billion in December 2024 but had already dropped by $163 billion by April 2. The tariffs exacerbated Tesla’s market troubles, sending Musk’s fortune tumbling further to $290 billion by April 8—his lowest valuation this year.

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Bezos And Zuckerberg Feel The Heat

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos has also watched his wealth slide. After reaching $260 billion in February, his net worth dropped to $213 billion by April 2. The tariffs then erased another $21 billion, bringing his total to $192 billion. Amazon’s stock has plummeted roughly 30% since early February.

Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has seen his fortune shrink by over 25%. His wealth peaked at $259 billion in mid-February but fell to $181 billion by April 8, as Meta’s stock price followed a similar downward trajectory.

Apple, Google, And Microsoft Under Pressure

Apple, heavily reliant on global manufacturing, has been among the hardest hit. Despite years of supply chain diversification, new tariffs on Vietnam—now a key production hub—have dragged Apple’s stock down 30% since February.

Google and Microsoft are feeling the effects, too. Shares of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, have slumped nearly 30% from their February peak, while Microsoft’s stock has dipped 7% since the tariffs were announced.

Big Tech’s Financial Ties To Trump

Despite their financial losses, these tech titans have had significant financial ties to Trump. Musk emerged as the largest political donor in the U.S., contributing $288 million to Trump’s 2024 election campaign, per Federal Election Commission filings. Bezos and Zuckerberg, through Amazon and Meta, respectively, each contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.

Other tech leaders also backed Trump’s inauguration, including Apple’s Tim Cook, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Microsoft’s leadership, each donating $1 million. Pichai even shared the stage with Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg during the event.

Yet, their support has done little to shield their companies from Trump’s aggressive trade policies. With tech stocks sliding and market uncertainty rising, the question remains: Will Big Tech continue backing a president whose policies are costing them billions?

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Alshaya Group Secures Exclusive Starbucks Operating Rights In Greece And Cyprus

Alshaya Group has acquired the operating rights for 48 Starbucks stores in Greece and Cyprus, transferring management from the Marinopoulos family after a 24-year partnership. The deal expands Alshaya’s presence as a licensed operator of the brand in the region.

Strategic Expansion And Market Consolidation

Under this new arrangement, Alshaya will oversee 30 stores in Greece through its newly established entity, Alshaya Hellas SMSA, and 18 outlets in Cyprus under Murgab Cyprus Ltd. Employing approximately 500 individuals across both markets, the transition is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and accelerate growth within the region.

Leadership Transition And Continued Partnerships

A 24-year partnership with the Marinopoulos family concludes with this transaction, marking the end of Starbucks’ initial expansion phase in both markets. Yiannis Marinopoulos, former chief executive, is expected to return to the family business. Starbucks said it will continue working with Alshaya as its regional licensed partner.

Vision For A Dynamic Future

Saleh Alshaya, President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group, said the company plans to expand its store network and product offering in Greece and Cyprus. Plans include integration of new teams and continued development of the brand’s presence across both markets.

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Regional And Global Business Significance

Duncan Moir, President of Starbucks EMEA, said Alshaya will continue expanding the brand’s presence in the region as its largest licensed partner. He referred to the company’s existing operations and scale across international markets.

Alshaya opened its first Starbucks store in Kuwait in 1999 and now operates more than 2,000 locations across 13 countries, serving over one million customers daily. The addition of Greece and Cyprus extends its footprint in Europe.

Jacqueline Delpippo, Business Manager for Starbucks Greece and Cyprus at Alshaya Group, will oversee the transition process. The company said operations will continue without disruption during the handover.