$2 Trillion in One Day: Why the MAGA Tariffs Are a Blessing in Disguise for the United States and Puerto Rico
Today, the U.S. stock market saw a stunning $2 trillion evaporate in a single day—a reaction to the full force of President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. But while the headlines scream crisis, let’s take a step back and see what this really is: a necessary, cleansing fire. A reset. A reawakening.
Because these tariffs—yes, even the sharp, painful ones—are about something bigger than stocks. They’re about reclaiming something America lost a long time ago: our self sufficiency, our economic dignity, and our production ability to make great things again and again.
Stocks Are on Sale — and That’s a Good Thing
For years, stocks have been floating on cheap money, buybacks, and artificially propped-up globalization. But now? Now we get a true reset. Today’s market plunge is an opportunity, not a catastrophe.
Starting tomorrow, expect to see major companies like Apple, Microsoft, and others begin aggressively buying back their own shares. Not just to stabilize prices, but because they see value. Because their stocks just got a whole lot cheaper, and they know a good deal when they see it. Or so they will think. In reality, stocks should go much lower to become a good value. The S&P 500 should lose about 40% to become a definite Buy.
For regular Americans, this is great news. Stocks are going on sale. The #1 rule of making money is: buy low, sell high. Buying low is the first step. Selling is optional. This is when real wealth begins—when you can start accumulating shares in great companies at low prices. Thank you President Trump for beginning to make stocks affordable again.
Creative Destruction: Let the Weak Fall
Yes, some companies will go under. They didn’t plan. They didn’t adapt. They didn't heed direction to produce domestically, insisting on the outdated outsourcing economic model of globalization. Their failure is not a tragedy—it’s how nature and markets work. Let the dinosaurs die. What will emerge is a leaner, stronger corporate America that actually builds things here, not just buys them cheap from abroad.
Frankly, over the past 30 years, we outsourced too much to the third world and invested too little in our own country.
Globalization Made Us Rich — and Hollow
For the last 30 to 40 years, Americans outsourced not just our production, but our pride. We became consumers, not creators. Couch potatoes addicted to watching TV. First, we began going to the Mall to buy everything the third world was producing for us. Then Sam Walton discovered the hack of buying in bulk from China to sell at Walmart. Then Jeff Bezos innovated on the Chinese hack bringing it to online shopping.
China used our endless appetite for cheap stuff to build itself into the world's manufacturer. With our greed and laziness, we made China great again while betraying the American worker and almost destroying the American Spirit.
Now, thanks to our messiah, Donald J. Trump, the freaking globalization party is over. Lights are on. It's time for drunks to go home. We’re tearing down the system that made us soft. We’re bringing the work, the dignity, and the power back home.
MAGA Tariffs: A Path to Long-Term Growth
Don’t be fooled by today’s headlines. The MAGA tariffs are not about isolation—they’re about renewal.
They will:
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Encourage U.S. companies to reinvest in American facilities
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Level the playing field for U.S. labor
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Force innovation and capital investment inside U.S. borders
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Resurrect places like Puerto Rico as manufacturing powerhouses
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Bring back the American industrial spirit
Puerto Rico: America’s Next Singapore
If there’s one place poised to benefit massively from Trump tariffs, it’s Puerto Rico.
Though often overlooked, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory—not subject to tariffs, but operating almost like a foreign country when it comes to labor and production costs. And everything made there is legally and proudly labeled "Made in the USA."
Remember Section 936?
Once upon a time, Section 936 of the IRS Code gave U.S. companies powerful tax incentives to manufacture in Puerto Rico. The island became a hub for pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and more. Singapore officials used to travel to Puerto Rico to learn about its economic miracle. Then globalization came and many factories closed. The tax break also ended for political reasons. The infrastructure and workforce never disappeared and can be expanded easily.
Today, Puerto Rico still offers:
A highly educated, bilingual workforce
Lower labor costs than most mainland states
No federal tariffs
Strategic location and shipping access to U.S. markets
It’s like having a tax-advantaged foreign factory inside U.S. jurisdiction—the perfect place to revive production without sacrificing American legal or regulatory standards.
Conclusion: Out of the Ashes, a Stronger Nation
$2 trillion may have disappeared from Wall Street today, but Main Street has everything to gain.
We’re breaking the addiction to cheap foreign goods and starting over with something stronger. Something real. Something made here, by us, for us.
Today looks like a crash. But one day, we’ll look back and realize it was the beginning of a new gold rush.
Stock Market Got MAGA Trumped Again
On April 3, 2025, the S&P 500 experienced a significant decline, dropping 4.8% in a single day—the steepest single-day fall since the 12% one on March 16, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced market turmoil. Today's decline was steeper than the 4.3% single-day drop on September 13, 2022, at the height of the inflation crisis and the release of higher-than-expected inflation data.
Today's downturn was triggered by President Trump's "Liberation Day" imposition of tariffs to liberate the American economy from the trap of globalization and free trade agreements. This liberation will help make America great again (MAGA), but will cost a lot. No one said that MAGA was going to be free.
Trump's MAGA tariffs on foreign imports is igniting fears of a costly global trade war and a likely recession with a potential for a depression plagued with overall stagnation.
Contextualizing the Current Decline:
While the April 3, 2025 decline is significant, so far it is not unprecedented. Historical data shows that the S&P 500 has faced similar or more severe drops, particularly during periods of economic stress or geopolitical tensions. For instance, the market crash of October 19, 1987 ("Black Monday") saw the S&P 500 fall by over 20% in one day. More recently, the financial crisis of 2008 and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 witnessed multiple days of substantial market declines.
13.5% Decline from Recent Peak:
The S&P 500 had reached a record high on February 19, 2025. By March 31, 2025, the index had declined by approximately 9.17% from this peak. The additional 4.8% drop on April 3 brought the total decline to around 13.5% so far from the February peak. This has pushed the market into correction territory (defined as a decline of 10% or more from a recent high). No one knows when this correction will start. We think it will go down to about 25% in total before a bull market shows up again.
Remembering the 34% COVID-19 Decline
During the COVID-19 market crash in early 2020, the S&P 500 experienced a rapid and steep decline:
📉 Peak to Trough Decline:
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Peak: February 19, 2020 — the S&P 500 closed at 3,386.15
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Bottom: March 23, 2020 — the S&P 500 closed at 2,237.40
🔻 Total Decline:
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The index fell by approximately 1,148.75 points
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That represents a drop of about 34% in just over a month
This was one of the fastest and sharpest correction in history, triggered by the global spread of COVID-19, economic lockdowns, and fear of a severe recession. Nonetheless, the recovery was also unusually fast, thanks to massive fiscal and monetary stimulus.
No one knows what the future may bring. So far, the only thing we know is that the S&P 500 index is 13.5% cheaper today than back on February 19, 2025. A way to see it is that high quality stocks are on sale. As always, the best move is to continue buying low cost ETFs that match broad indices, and buy steadily to take advantage of dollar cost averaging. Sometimes you buy high, and sometimes you buy low. You keep buying steadily averaging the cost over time and reaping compounding gains over time. Don't try to time the market. Keep Calm and Carry On Investing.
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MAGA Fired if Not MAGA Committed
On April 2, 2025, Laura Loomer met with President Trump and senior officials, including Vice President Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to express concerns about the loyalty of certain National Security Council (NSC) staffers to the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda. She presented opposition research suggesting that some officials were not fully aligned with the president's objectives.
Following this meeting, on April 3, President Trump confirmed the dismissal of multiple NSC officials. Among those reportedly fired were senior figures Brian Walsh, Thomas Boodry, and David Feith. The administration stated that these personnel changes were part of ongoing efforts to ensure staff alignment with the president's policy goals.
The firings have sparked discussions about the politicization of national security roles and the influence of external activists on White House staffing decisions. Critics argue that such actions could undermine the professionalism and independence of national security operations.
Who is Laura Loomer?
Laura Elizabeth Loomer (born May 21, 1993) is a Jewish American woman associated with far-right political activism. She's an internet personality known for her provocative actions and controversial statements. She has been associated with promoting conspiracy theories and expressing anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views.
Early Life and Education
Loomer was born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised alongside her two brothers. She began her higher education at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts but left after one semester, citing a perceived targeting for her conservative beliefs. She then transferred to Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, where she earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in 2015. Loomer is Jewish.
Activism and Media Presence
Loomer's activism gained prominence through her involvement with organizations such as Project Veritas, The Rebel Media, and InfoWars. She has described herself as a "proud Islamophobe" and has been banned from multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, for violating policies on hate speech and misinformation. Her controversial actions include disrupting a 2017 Shakespeare in the Park production of "Julius Caesar" in New York City, which portrayed the titular character in a manner resembling then-President Donald Trump.
Political Campaigns
In 2020, Loomer was the Republican nominee for Florida's 21st congressional district but was defeated by the incumbent Democrat, Lois Frankel. She attempted another run in 2022 for Florida's 11th congressional district but lost in the Republican primary to incumbent Daniel Webster.
Relationship with Donald Trump
Despite her contentious reputation, Loomer has maintained a connection with former President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Trump considered hiring her for his 2024 presidential campaign, though senior advisors discouraged the decision. In April 2025, Loomer met with Trump and other high-ranking officials, urging the dismissal of certain National Security Council members, a move that was subsequently acted upon.
Controversies and Public Perception
Loomer's career has been marked by numerous controversies, including promoting conspiracy theories related to the September 11 attacks and making anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant statements. Her actions have led to widespread criticism and have sparked debates within political circles about her influence and the appropriateness of her involvement in mainstream politics.
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The End is Near for Musk's inefficient time as Head of DOGE
White House will end Elon Musk's controversial role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by May 30, 2025. This timeline aligns with the federal regulation that limits special government employees to 130 consecutive days of service. Despite stepping down from this official position, Vice President Vance has stated that Musk will continue to serve as a "friend and advisor" (aka donor) to Trump.
Musk's tenure at DOGE has been marked by significant controversies thanks to his amateur actions aimed at streamlining government operations as if the federal government was a private business. Notably, he implemented mass removals of federal employees that were completely reversed by the courts. He also conducted closures at the USAID and the Department of Education that have been challenged in court and that remain in appellate litigation.
While there have been speculations about potential rifts between Musk and the administration following Musk's inefficient performance, both parties have dismissed such claims. The White House has reiterated that Musk's departure is in accordance with the original agreement and federal guidelines. Musk states that is time for him to go back to Tesla and the other private companies holding the federal contracts.
In summary, Elon Musk is concluding his official duties with DOGE as planned but will maintain an informal advisory role and bankroll within the Trump administration. His departure marks the end of a notable chapter in governmental restructuring efforts led by a controversial foreign figure from the private sector and zero government experience.
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Will Tesla's Robotaxi Ever Catch Up to Google's Waymo?
Maybe not. The competition between Tesla's Robotaxi initiative and Waymo's autonomous vehicle services has garnered significant attention, with experts offering diverse perspectives on whether Tesla can match or surpass Waymo's advancements.
Current Standing and Strategies
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has been operating autonomous ride-hailing services in multiple cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. The company plans to expand to additional locations such as Washington DC and Atlanta by 2026.
Tesla unveiled its Robotaxi prototype, the "Cybercab," in October 2024, aiming for production by 2026. Tesla's approach relies on a vision-only system using cameras and AI, eschewing technologies like lidar that competitors employ.
Expert Opinions
Opinions among industry experts vary regarding Tesla's potential to catch up with Waymo:
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Skepticism About Tesla's Approach: John Krafcik, former CEO of Waymo, expressed doubts about Tesla's commitment to building a safe and accessible Robotaxi business, suggesting that Tesla's strategy may not align with the rigorous standards required for autonomous services.
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Recognition of Tesla's Data Advantage: Conversely, Anthony Levandowski, co-founder of Waymo, acknowledged Tesla's significant advantage due to its extensive data collection from millions of vehicles. He emphasized that this data is crucial for refining autonomous systems and positions Tesla favorably in the self-driving race.
Challenges and Considerations
Tesla faces several challenges in its Robotaxi development:
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Regulatory Hurdles: Tesla must navigate complex regulatory landscapes to deploy autonomous vehicles, which could impact the timeline and scope of its Robotaxi services.
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Technological Development: Transitioning from Level 2 autonomy (requiring driver supervision) to full autonomy is a substantial leap that demands significant technological advancements.
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Market Competition: Waymo's established presence and expansion plans present a competitive market that Tesla must contend with.
Conclusion
While Tesla's extensive data collection and ambitious plans provide a foundation for potential growth in the autonomous vehicle sector, experts indicate that the company faces considerable challenges in catching up to Waymo's current capabilities and market position. The outcome will depend on Tesla's ability to address technological, regulatory, and competitive factors in the evolving autonomous driving landscape.
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Waymo: Pioneering Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Company Overview and Ownership
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company that originated as Google's self-driving car project in 2009. In December 2016, it was established as an independent subsidiary under Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, with the mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to move around.
Successful Implementations in Cities
Waymo has successfully launched its autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, in several major U.S. cities:
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Phoenix, Arizona: Waymo One is open to all across 315 square miles of the Valley of the Sun.
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San Francisco, California: Anyone can download, request, and ride today in the City by the Bay and Daly City.
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Los Angeles, California: Welcoming all riders in the City of Stars, with services extending from Santa Monica to Downtown.
Additionally, Waymo has announced plans to expand its services to other cities, including Washington, DC, Atlanta, Georgia, and Miami, Florida by 2026.
Growth Potential
Waymo's growth trajectory is supported by several key factors:
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Technological Advancements: Waymo has developed a sophisticated autonomous driving system known as the Waymo Driver, which has been tested over tens of millions of miles on public roads.
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Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with companies like Uber aim to integrate Waymo's autonomous vehicles into existing ride-hailing platforms, broadening its market reach.
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Market Expansion: Waymo is actively expanding its service areas, with plans to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services in additional cities and to explore international markets.
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Financial Backing: As a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Waymo benefits from substantial financial resources, having raised significant funding to support its expansion and technological development.
The autonomous vehicle industry is projected to experience significant growth, with the U.S. market expected to expand from $22.6 billion in 2024 to $222.8 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.92%. Waymo's established presence and ongoing advancements position it favorably to capitalize on this expanding market.
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