Renowned personal finance expert and author Ramit Sethi has ignited a wave of online discussion after criticizing the economic consequences of President Donald Trump’s newly introduced tariffs. In a widely shared post on X, Sethi highlighted how these import duties will sharply raise the cost of everyday goods, disproportionately affecting the very Americans who supported the policy.

Sethi, known for his bestselling book “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” expressed concern that the tariffs—ranging from 20% to 46%—on a range of imported household products will hit working-class families the hardest. Items like sponges, towels, coffeemakers, and power tools, mostly sourced from countries like China, India, Mexico, and Vietnam, are now subject to these steep duties.

“Enjoy the 34%-46% tariffs,” Sethi quipped sarcastically, referring to price hikes on common kitchen and bathroom items. He argued that while the wealthy may benefit from unrelated tax breaks, the average American family will face significantly higher living expenses. “You’ll pay thousands more… so guys like me can get a tax cut I don’t need,” he wrote.

His post sparked intense responses on social media. Supporters praised him for speaking up, with one user commenting, “Somebody had to say it.” Others pushed back, defending the tariffs as a move to protect American manufacturing and balance trade deficits. One commenter wrote, “The purchaser should make the foreign company absorb the tariff—or be fired.”

One user warned the economic fallout might be wider than anticipated, saying, “You’ll end up paying more while your investments take a hit… cautiously hopeful things will settle in time.”

As debate grows, Sethi’s post has intensified public discussion around who benefits from trade policies like tariffs—and who ends up shouldering the cost.

Trump proclaimed April 2, 2025, as “Liberation Day,” calling it a long-awaited milestone. “Today represents the resurgence of American industry and the reclaiming of our economic future. We will restore America’s prosperity.”

During the announcement, Trump presented a chart comparing tariffs imposed by India, China, the UK, and the European Union, alongside the new US reciprocal tariffs. As indicated in the chart, India implemented a 52% tariff, incorporating trade restrictions and currency regulations. In response, the US imposed a reduced 26% tariff.

Trump specifically called out India’s high tariffs on motorcycles, pointing out that while the US charges only 2.4%, India levies a 70% tariff, with Vietnam and Thailand imposing even higher rates. He also mentioned the long-standing issue of automobile tariffs, noting that the US had kept them at 2.5% for decades, whereas the European Union charged over 10% and imposed an additional 20% VAT.

The president also criticized non-monetary trade barriers from countries like South Korea and Japan, calling them significant obstacles for American businesses. He emphasized that these new tariffs aimed to balance trade relationships and ensure fair competition for US industries.

Donald Trump and JD Vance’s campaign promise to alter naturalized citizenship laws has sparked significant concerns, particularly among Indian-Americans, as it could affect the future citizenship of their children. Under the proposed changes, children born in the U.S. would no longer automatically acquire citizenship unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This shift could leave thousands of children born to immigrant parents in legal limbo.

During his campaign, Trump vowed that on “Day 1” of his presidency, he would sign an executive order aimed at curbing immigration, including targeting the legal process of naturalization. The order would require that at least one parent be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for children born in the country to gain automatic citizenship. This could potentially affect many children of immigrants, including those from India, where the green card backlog has already reached over a million, with wait times exceeding 50 years.

For Indian-Americans, the changes could have significant consequences. With the high demand for green cards and the long wait times, many immigrants may never see their citizenship processed in their lifetime. Additionally, children currently in the immigration pipeline may age out of the process by the time they reach 21, risking their status as illegal immigrants if they stay beyond that age without alternative visas.

While Trump’s proposed executive order is expected to face legal challenges, with experts arguing it may violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, it remains to be seen whether the courts will uphold or block the order. The 14th Amendment grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., and the proposed policy could be seen as unconstitutional. However, the Trump campaign asserts that it has correctly interpreted the amendment.

With an estimated 4.8 million Indian-Americans living in the U.S., many of whom are concerned about the future of their children’s citizenship, this issue has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over immigration reform. If signed, the executive order will likely set the stage for a lengthy legal battle to determine its constitutionality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump on his historic victory in the 2024 US presidential election, expressing optimism for continued collaboration between India and the US. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory,” emphasizing his hope to further enhance the Indo-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership during Trump’s second term.

PM Modi expressed his confidence in renewing efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations for the benefit of their people, as well as promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity.

The two leaders have shared a warm relationship, marked by notable events like the ‘Howdy Modi!’ event in the US in 2019 and the ‘Namaste Trump’ event during Trump’s visit to India in 2020. Their positive deliberations over the years have worked to bolster the India-US partnership.

Fox News projections show Trump secured 277 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed to win, with key victories in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Georgia. This marks the second instance in US history of a president serving two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland’s terms in 1884 and 1892. In his victory speech, Trump celebrated the “greatest political movement of all time,” pledging to make “America great again.”

The Republicans are projected to secure at least 50 seats in the Senate, while Democratic governors are only winning in three of ten states where votes are still being counted.

Former President Donald Trump and his team have adopted unconventional methods to encourage voters to support his re-election on November 5. Their tactics include engaging teams for door-to-door campaigning and Elon Musk’s America PAC, which has initiated a $1 million-a-day giveaway for registered voters who sign a petition in favor of the First and Second Amendments.

However, the giveaway has faced legal challenges due to potential violations of federal laws against vote-buying, prompting the Republican candidate to pivot to a different strategy. This approach, however, inadvertently led to humorous interactions on social media, particularly among Indian users, despite Vice President Kamala Harris’s mixed-race heritage that includes Indian roots.

On October 29, Trump tagged users on X (formerly Twitter) in a post related to voting in North Carolina. One of the users, @Trendulkar, turned out to be an Indian man residing in Goregaon, Mumbai, who humorously responded to Trump’s message in Hindi, stating, “Bhai, main Goregaon main rehta hoon,” or “Bro, I live in Goregaon.”

Indian netizens flooded the comments section of Trump’s post, joking about how someone in India could vote in a US election. This situation is particularly ironic, as many conservative commentators have previously accused Democrats of “voter importation scams.” Elon Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, has also suggested that Democrats are using “diabolically smart” strategies to increase migration and sway swing states in favor of the Harris-Walz campaign.

The mystery surrounding Trump’s tagging of an Indian user deepened, especially after a similar incident involving Alex Marr, who manages the SPFL Mediawatch account on X. He received a comparable shout-out from Trump, which he attributed to having liked one of Trump’s posts in the past. Marr described the experience as unusual, emphasizing how unpredictable interactions on Twitter have become since Musk’s takeover.

Earlier this month, users reported receiving personalized replies from Trump’s official account after liking his posts. One such message included reminders for voters in North Carolina to be prepared for the election, stating, “LIKE this post to get IMPORTANT election reminders in North Carolina.” Those who liked the post received automated responses thanking them and urging them to vote for Trump.

Despite the automated nature of these messages, they have effectively caught attention on the platform, showcasing Team Trump’s innovative approach to voter engagement in their re-election efforts.

Just a week before the US presidential election, Republican candidate Donald Trump reiterated his dedication to strengthening the US-India relationship, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “good friend.” In a Diwali message posted on X, Trump pledged to bolster ties with India, emphasizing shared economic and strategic interests.

Trump’s statement came as violence against Hindu and minority communities in Bangladesh made headlines. He condemned these attacks, noting the importance of global security and community protections.

Trump’s relationship with Modi has been well-established, highlighted by events like the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas, where the two leaders addressed over 50,000 attendees, and Trump’s visit to Gujarat, where Modi welcomed him at the world’s largest cricket stadium. This camaraderie reflects both leaders’ strong nationalist platforms—Modi’s “India First” and Trump’s “America First”—which emphasize economic growth, national security, and self-reliance.

In terms of policy, a Trump administration would likely continue its hardline approach on trade, urging India to reduce trade barriers. While previously critical of India’s tariffs, Trump acknowledged India’s economic savvy, calling Modi a “fantastic man” who champions India’s interests. Trump’s stance against China also aligns with India’s goals, offering an opportunity for India to attract US companies moving supply chains away from China.

On defense, Trump has supported initiatives like the Quad, a partnership between the US, India, Japan, and Australia, aimed at countering China’s influence. His approach suggests that further cooperation on military and security matters could bolster India’s defense amid regional tensions.

However, on immigration, Trump’s policies could pose challenges for Indian professionals. His restrictive stance on H-1B visas previously impacted Indian workers in the US tech sector, and a return to such policies could reduce access to American jobs. This could prompt Indian firms to create more domestic opportunities, particularly in the tech industry.

Trump’s focus on “Peace through strength” in South Asia, however, could align with India’s anti-terrorism goals, pressuring Pakistan to counter extremism and fostering a more secure regional environment.

As the U.S. election approaches, investors are watching closely, anticipating the potential economic impacts on global markets, particularly India. According to a report by PhillipCapital, the election results could significantly influence India’s economy, especially if there is a shift in U.S. economic policy.

If Trump wins, Indian IT firms might face challenges due to stricter immigration policies, potentially limiting the workforce’s flexibility. However, many Indian firms have reduced risk by hiring locally and establishing near-shore delivery centers. The auto industry may also experience shifts, with a possible reduction in EV incentives that could impact Indian EV component suppliers. Yet, a pivot toward hybrid vehicles could balance demand over time.

In the energy sector, Trump’s preference for fossil fuels could lower global energy prices, benefiting Indian refiners and opening new opportunities for Indian natural gas utilities. On defense, both Trump and Harris support an Indo-Pacific strategy that positions India as a key counterbalance to China, though with differing approaches. Harris may advocate for defense cooperation, while Trump’s transactional style would focus on arms sales.

Further, Trump’s potential infrastructure spending could increase demand for metals, which would benefit Indian manufacturers. His stance on China could lead to higher tariffs on Chinese goods, opening doors for Indian textiles, electronics, and auto components, and increasing FDI flow into India.

With the November 5 election nearing, the outcome will likely have a broad impact on the Indian economy across sectors, from defense to energy.

There is a possibility that a Trump presidency might prioritize a “Make America Great Again” agenda over Vice President Harris, despite her Indian heritage. Although she has recognized her roots, Harris has not actively engaged with India during her tenure. This can be attributed to her role as vice president, where alignment with the administration’s policy is paramount. Displaying too much affinity for India might expose her to accusations of divided loyalties.

Should she ascend to the presidency, Harris’s policies would likely align with American national interests as defined by her party, maintaining continuity with Biden’s administration. The Biden administration has assigned significant strategic importance to India, particularly in light of China’s rising influence. This has resulted in a hesitance to publicly critique India’s domestic political issues, including a quiet approach to allegations surrounding Indian intelligence involvement in international incidents, such as the case involving Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

If elected, Harris could adopt a more nuanced approach towards India, reflecting the concerns of the party’s progressive wing regarding human rights and ethnic tensions in the country. Such a stance could create friction with Modi’s government.

Conversely, a Trump administration would likely focus solely on transactional interests, leaving human rights issues for Modi’s government to solve. The Trump administration would align closely with India’s defense and trade goals, making it easier for Indian policymakers to navigate their interests under his leadership.

Historically, Indian foreign policy has viewed Democrats as more sympathetic than Republicans. Yet, significant shifts occurred post-Cold War, with the Clinton administration imposing sanctions following India’s nuclear tests, while Bush fostered closer ties through initiatives like the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement.

Trump’s presidency maintained this trajectory, despite some trade tensions, by upholding previous administrations’ policies while sidestepping human rights issues. Biden, despite some calls from Congress, has similarly refrained from publicly challenging India on democratic principles.

Despite uncertainties surrounding the upcoming presidential election, the established foundation of U.S.-India relations is likely to remain robust, ensuring stability regardless of the victor.

Kash Patel, a prominent attorney and a key advisor to former President Donald Trump, is poised to assume a significant position within the federal government should the Republicans succeed in the 2024 elections. Reports indicate that Trump has compiled a list of individuals for his potential administration, with Patel anticipated to head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) if he returns to the White House.

Patel, 44, has previously served as Trump’s counterterrorism adviser on the National Security Council and was the chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense during Trump’s final term. His career also encompasses roles as a defense attorney, federal prosecutor, and national security official, showcasing a broad spectrum of experience.

Born in 1980 in Garden City, New York, to Gujarati Indian immigrants from East Africa, Patel’s father held a position as a financial officer in an aviation company. Following his law degree from Pace University, Patel struggled to secure a position at a prestigious law firm and instead spent nearly nine years as a public defender in Miami before joining the Justice Department.

His political journey began as a staff member for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, led by Rep. Devin Nunes, a strong ally of Trump. Patel played a crucial role in investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, co-authoring the controversial “Nunes Memo,” which claimed the Justice Department mishandled its warrant to surveil a Trump campaign associate. The memo sparked significant backlash from the Justice Department but drew Trump’s attention, leading to Patel’s subsequent roles on the National Security Council.

After Trump’s presidency ended, Patel launched the “Fight With Kash” organization, which finances defamation lawsuits and offers various merchandise, including branded clothing and novelty items featuring political figures. This organization has now evolved into The Kash Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting whistleblowers, law enforcement, and educational initiatives in areas often overlooked by mainstream media.

As the 2024 US Presidential Elections approach, the potential for a significant impact on India-US relations is clear. The election, set for November 5, will determine whether Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, or Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, will lead the United States. With a growing focus on foreign relations, especially concerning India, the results could influence multiple sectors.

During his campaign, Trump indicated a desire to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to the US. However, Modi opted not to meet either candidate, likely to avoid political engagements amid the election season. The historical context of their relationship shows that past meetings, such as Modi’s 2019 visit to Texas, have been well-attended and indicative of strong bilateral ties.

Under the Biden administration, US-India relations have flourished, characterized by enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defense, trade, and climate initiatives. The Biden administration prioritized a robust partnership, emphasizing shared democratic values and regional stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Collaborative efforts such as the Quad initiatives have strengthened military and strategic ties, leading to increased defense sales and intelligence sharing.

The upcoming election could significantly affect five critical areas:

1. Bilateral Ties: The result will directly influence defense and trade relations between India and the US.
2. Economic Impact: The countries traded approximately $118 billion in goods and services in the last fiscal year, a vital aspect of their relationship.
3. Geopolitics: The US’s approach to China and Russia could impact India’s strategic decisions, especially if a tougher stance against China is adopted.
4. Indian Americans: With around 4.5 million Indian-Americans in the US, their role in shaping perceptions and policies on India-US relations is crucial.
5. Climate and Technology: Future collaboration on climate change and technology transfer will hinge on the new administration’s priorities.

If Harris assumes the presidency, her approach may largely reflect the policies of the Biden administration, focusing on economic resilience and domestic manufacturing. Conversely, Trump’s protectionist tendencies may influence trade relations, as he previously criticized India’s trade practices.

Ultimately, the US relationship remains vital for India, and regardless of the election outcome, India is likely to seek cooperation with the incoming administration to advance mutual interests. The next president’s priorities will significantly shape the trajectory of India-US relations in the coming years.