Trump Went Through With His Tariffs. Now What?

For years, I’ve talked about individual wealth—the pursuit of financial freedom, security, and independence. But as the world changes, so must our conversations about wealth. We cannot continue to discuss personal success without addressing collective well-being. The two are inseparable. What happens when wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few at the expense of the many? What happens when those with unchecked power make decisions for the rest of us without consulting the people affected? The consequences are playing out before our eyes.

(Check out my other blog post to accompany this post and a video I made (see above) on Capitalism).

Capitalism in Crisis

Yesterday, while I was (ironically) taking a digital detox, Trump enacted tariffs that could drastically impact the economy. Many dismiss politics, believing it has little to do with personal wealth. But the reality is—politics affects everything. It dictates the opportunities we have, the wages we earn, and the economic structures that shape our daily lives.

We are no longer living in a true democracy. When billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg hold more influence over policy than actual elected officials, we’re looking at an oligarchy. Some might argue it’s an evolving form of authoritarianism, where corporate power supersedes democratic processes. This isn’t just about money—it’s about control.

The mix of a forced trade war, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, and rising economic inequality is creating a world that is unfamiliar and uncertain. Will automation free us from labor? Or will it usher in a new era of corporate feudalism where the masses rely entirely on the goodwill of a handful of powerful individuals? These questions need to be asked—before we wake up to a reality where the answers have already been decided for us.

My Take on Elon Musk

Now, let me be clear—I don’t hate Elon Musk. In fact, I used to be a strong supporter of Tesla and even invested in their stock. I saw him as a visionary, someone who wanted the best for humanity. And perhaps, in many ways, he still does.

But my issue isn’t with ambition—it’s with unchecked power and the absence of accountability.

One person cannot have all the answers, especially when they fail to consult the people their decisions impact. My background in nonprofit and international development has taught me that real progress happens collectively. Top-down leadership, especially when wielded by the ultra-wealthy, often prioritizes profit over people. Historically, hierarchical structures have supported capitalist growth—but at what cost? Workers’ well-being, fair wages, and ethical business practices are frequently sacrificed for the sake of expansion and shareholder returns.

This is why I’m wary of figures like Musk and Trump. Both are privileged white men who, in my view, do not put in the daily effort to understand the struggles of people outside their own experiences. Immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals of different faiths—these are the groups most affected by unchecked capitalist expansion, yet they are rarely part of the decision-making process.

Leadership isn’t just about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about listening. It’s about cultural and emotional intelligence. It’s about recognizing that economic structures should serve people, not the other way around.

The Problem With How We Define Success

This system has taught us that success is about being the wealthiest, the most powerful, the brightest. But where in this equation do we prioritize care for one another?

We’ve rewarded business acumen while neglecting emotional intelligence. We’ve praised economic growth while ignoring the well-being of workers. This is why so many people feel unheard by their doctors, dismissed by their employers, and unseen in society at large. Because we’ve conditioned people to chase success rather than service.

I’m not saying Musk and others like him don’t care about humanity. But caring looks different to different people. And when only white men hold the keys to deciding what “helping humanity” looks like, history has shown us exactly who will be left behind.

What Can We Do?

The reality is, wealth inequality is growing. And no matter how many people I help build financial security, the opportunities for the majority will dwindle as power continues to concentrate at the top. Maybe Trump’s tariffs will work. Maybe Musk has a master plan. But let’s be honest—“normal” is no longer in our vocabulary.

What I do know is this: wealth at the expense of others will always end badly.

So, what can we do?

✔ Spend mindfully. Don’t mistake consumerism for joy. Recognize that much of what we’re told to buy is a luxury, not a necessity.
✔ Prioritize assets over liabilities. Your financial security shouldn’t be dependent on a fragile economic system.
✔ Lean on community and collective support. Wealth isn’t just about money; it’s about resources, knowledge, and shared opportunities.
✔ Challenge corporate greed. Vote with your dollar. Support businesses that align with your values and withdraw support from those that exploit workers and communities.

I haven’t bought from Amazon in over two years (except for a selfie ring light when mine broke and I needed a new one ASAP). Small choices matter. Fight with your money, your voice, and your collective action.

Because no matter how big Musk or Trump may seem, power still belongs to the people.