Recently an Indian American author named Sethi made a bold statement about Donald Trump’s economic plans. He said Rich guys like me get tax cuts you will pay… His words are a warning to regular people especially those who support Trump and the MAGA movement. Sethi believes that Trump’s tariffs-taxes on goods coming from other countries-will end up costing middle class families more money.
What Are Tariffs, Anyway?
Tariffs are like extra fees the government puts on products imported from other countries. Imagine you are buying a sponge or a towel made in China. With a tariff the price of that sponge or towel goes up because the company bringing it to the U.S. has to pay the government more. Trump says these tariffs will help American companies by making foreign goods more expensive so people will buy stuff made in the U.S. instead. It sounds like a good idea—supporting local jobs and businesses—but theres a catch.
Who Really Pays for Tariffs?
Sethi argues that it’s not the rich people or big companies who will feel the pinch. It’s regular people like you and me. When tariffs make imported goods cost more companies don’t just sit quietly and lose money. They pass those extra costs on to customers. So the price of everyday things-like toothpaste, clothes or even your kid’s toys—goes up. Sethi’s point is simple: while rich folks like him might enjoy tax cuts from Trump’s policies the rest of us will be stuck paying higher prices at the store.
For example let’s say a towel from another country used to cost $5. With a tariff it might jump to $7 or $8. If you are on a tight budget that extra $3 matters. Now multiply that by all the things you buy—sponges, soap, shoes—and it adds up fast. Middle class families who don’t have tons of extra cash will feel this the most.
Trump’s Side of the Story
Trump and his supporters see tariffs differently. They say it’s about making America strong again. By putting tariffs on foreign goods Trump wants to bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S. If imported stuff gets expensive companies might decide to make things here instead of overseas. More factories in America could mean more jobs for American workers. Trump has said this is a way to stop relying so much on countries like China and build a self sufficient economy.
It’s a big promise and it’s why many MAGA voters love the idea. They see tariffs as a way to fight back against globalization where everything seems to be made somewhere else. Trump has even called it a “tax on bad countries” that don’t treat the U.S. fairly in trade.
The Other Side: Higher Costs, Fewer Choices
But not everyone agrees with Trump’s plan. Critics like Sethi say it’s a fantasy to think tariffs won’t hurt regular people. They point out that many things we use every day-like electronics, clothes or even food-are not fully made in the U.S. yet. Building new factories takes time and money and until that happens, we will still need imports. With tariffs those imports will just cost more.
Plus even if American companies start making more stuff they might not keep prices low. They could charge more because there’s less competition from cheaper foreign goods. In the end you might pay more for an American made towel than you did for the imported one before tariffs. And if you are someone who shops for deals your options could shrink.
Rich vs. Poor: Who Wins?
Sethi’s comment about “rich guys” getting tax cuts while others pay is a big part of this debate. Trump’s policies have often included tax breaks for wealthy people and businesses. The idea is that if rich people and companies have more money they will invest it and create jobs. But if tariffs raise the cost of living at the same time it’s the middle and working classes who get squeezed. They don’t see the tax cuts but they do see higher prices at the grocery store or mall.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are a Trump supporter you might think tariffs are worth it for the longterm goal of bringing jobs back to America. But if you are just trying to make ends meet Sethi’s warning might hit home. Higher prices on everyday items could stretch your budget thinner especially if wages don’t go up too. It’s a gamble-will the benefits of tariffs show up fast enough to make up for the extra costs?
The truth is no one knows for sure how this will play out. Some experts say tariffs could boost the economy in the long run. Others warn it could lead to a trade war where other countries put tariffs on American goods hurting U.S. farmers and businesses. What’s clear is that the impact won’t be the same for everyone. Rich people might barely notice while families living paycheck to paycheck could feel it every day.
Sethi’s slam on MAGA voters is a wake up call. He’s asking people to think hard about who really benefits from Trump’s tariffs. Are they a smart way to fix the economy or just another policy that sounds good but leaves regular folks holding the bill? As prices start to rise it’s worth keeping an eye on your wallet and asking whether the promises of “America First” will deliver for you or just for the rich guys at the top.