President of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, Ross Gerber is not holding back on his criticism of President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs.
In a series of posts on X, Gerber called April 2 “Trump Tax Day” and warned that Americans are now dealing with the largest cost increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today is Trump Tax day,” he posted. “When Americans get the biggest cost increase since Covid all to give the rich some nice tax breaks.”
The Biden-era tariffs on some foreign goods have been replaced or expanded under Trump, resulting in rising prices that are now being felt across the U.S. economy.
While some supporters argue the move is part of a bigger plan to boost domestic manufacturing, Gerber isn’t buying it.
Skepticism About Manufacturing Revival
Responding to an X user who celebrated the tariffs as a step toward bringing back American manufacturing, Gerber pushed back. “Where will they do this manufacturing? Do you know the cost of production in the US? Manufacturing won’t be changing much,” he said.
Concerns About Global Reputation
The broader concern, Gerber said, is the long-term impact on America’s reputation and economy.
In a follow-up post on Thursday, he said Trump expects other countries to come to the table and negotiate tariff reductions, but warned it may be too late.
“I think by the time this all parses out. The damage will be done. American goodwill is been destroyed,” Gerber wrote.
Warning to Investors and Call to Action
Gerber also warned investors and called for political action.
“It’s all bad. No spin. Call your congressperson. Going to be a very tough day for investors,” he said.
“It’s hard to see a path that doesn’t result in recession. Unless this is just a bad negotiating ploy and it’s reversed quickly. Great harm will be done to the American economy.”
Who Really Benefits?
While the administration insists the tariffs are part of a plan to strengthen American industry, critics like Gerber argue the immediate pain outweighs any long-term gain—especially when that pain falls hardest on everyday Americans.
As the impact of Trump’s new tariff policy ripples through the markets and households alike, the debate over who really benefits is heating up.
And for Gerber, the answer is: it’s not the average American.
IMAGE CREDIT: “President Donald J. Trump and his national security team meet in the Situation Room of the White House” by Daniel Torok, The White House. Licensed under U.S. Government Work. Image adjusted for layout.