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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.

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?

Price Shifts: Temu And Shein React To Upcoming Tariffs

by News Editor
April 27, 2025

The online shopping world experienced a jolt as Temu and Shein, popular e-commerce platforms, recently adjusted their prices due to impending tariff changes. These platforms, known for offering budget-friendly options, have echoed with changes that might surprise many shoppers.

What Sparked the Price Hike?

Effective next week, a significant tariff will impact goods imported from China. This tariff follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on May 2. This exemption previously allowed American shoppers to skip tariffs on items valued under $800. The new tariff demands a 120% fee or a flat $100 per postal item, increasing to $200 come June 1.

For instance, Temu’s two patio chairs jumped from $61.72 to $70.17 overnight, while a bathing suit on Shein saw a 91% surge in price. Yet, the price landscape isn’t consistently upward; a smart ring on Temu dropped by $3.

Implications for Consumers

Due to economic shifts and evolving trade rules, both Shein and Temu emphasized their efforts to maintain quality and affordability despite costlier operational expenses. They advised consumers to shop before April 25 to dodge the upcoming hikes, though it’s uncertain if this timing affects the 120% tariff applicability.

Impact on Lower-Income Households

The discontinuation of the “de minimis” exemption is poised to hit lower-income families hardest. Reports indicate these households spend a higher income proportion on apparel, and this change could burden them further.

Further economic insights highlight how industries adjust to challenges, such as in the face of AI-driven changes, potentially offsetting emissions concerns with economic gains.

For buyers and businesses alike, the shifting sands of trade laws call for adaptability and forethought.

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