American President Donald Trump’s actions are To a T and the reactions from across the world are also To a T. They are Powerful, Predictable, Pompous, Painful, Profound, and Peace-breaking.
As a sovereign economic powerhouse, America has the right to defend its people’s interests through economic strengthening, financial prudence, and by stopping exploitation. What the POTUS has done recently was in the pipeline for a long time. Previous Presidents may have ignored issues that were, prima facie, undue profiteering on American products. They focused on external threat and military might in nature, completely ignoring the financial drain and implications.
The philosophy goes: “Spark to success is unimaginable hard work. Success to legacy is 10x the hard work we put in.” As Sun Tzu reminds us, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
At present, two nations – China and India are challenging America’s enviable No. 1 position in terms of GDP. I am not implying that we as a nation is a serious challenger to that spot. Against this backdrop, MAGA is as important to America as a comprehensive insurance policy is to us. That is exactly what Trump is doing. The Federal Reserve Chair Mr. Powell is the happiest person in this man-made fiasco.
For decades, the world has taken America for granted. Many nations stood with a begging bowl for financial aid. Others demanded from “salt to camphor” (as we say in Malayalam: uppu thottu karpooram vare), the essentials and the luxuries. Sadly, earlier US governments lacked the political will to confront this exploitation, and India too has benefitted without adequately giving back. Our 100% plus taxation on the Made in USA product has an infamous place in the world of taxes.
Yet we must acknowledge America’s contribution: technologies, healthcare, artificial intelligence, military equipment, and a superior standard of living – all developed in the USA and shared with the world. Let us not undermine the monumental contributions of American entrepreneurs. In many sectors, they remain far ahead of every other nation.
The Tariff Question
The contentious issue now is tariffs – America imposing duties on imports, mirroring the tariffs other nations already levy on US goods. Before judging this move, we must ask ourselves:
Are we providing jobs to American citizens?
(No – we are often accused of taking them away.)
Do we offer them world-class infrastructure and destinations?
(Sorry, no – our cities lag behind.)
Do we supply them with life-saving healthcare products?(No – the USFDA still sets the rules for global pharma.)
Do we give them military firepower?
(No – the world remains decades behind US defense technology.)
Is America dependent on India or the world?
(No – the truth is the reverse.)
So why do we import so much from the USA? Because their quality standards are impeccable, unmatched by what most nations produce locally. Apple cannot be compared with Aloo. Crude, yes – but real.
Citizens everywhere demand quality, which leads to more imports and larger Current Account Deficits. To offset these drains, nations slap taxes, tariffs, levies, and cess with impunity. But consumer rights remain weak, governance riddled with red tape, and the mindset still leans toward “cheap over valuable.”
Did America exploit this? Absolutely. Selling its products worldwide without checks and balances, while countries profited from commissions and import taxes. That imbalance is now being corrected.
Trump’s War Room
Trump’s stance is no different from a protective parent guarding their children. His strategy mirrors Sun Tzu’s wisdom: “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
Through tariffs, Trump has instilled a new fear: “Profit is subject to Trump tantrum.” He has created chaos and unpredictability, shaking markets like never before. Analysts, ministers, and media alike have lost clarity choosing instead to drown in memes, infographics, and panic messaging.
But for seasoned wealth managers, this is just another flash in the pan. I have witnessed far worse. Markets recover. Always. Our minds, however, act like Dory from the movie Finding Nemo short-term memory, recency bias, and emotional reactions cloud judgment.
What India Must Do
India should neither enter into a trade war with the USA, but it should not give prominence to Trump’s voice either. We need to be an immovable object, neither pushing back, nor giving ground.
Rather our goal should be to propagate towards the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement with steadfast resilience while silencing the divisive domestic voices that are attempting to puncture the proud ‘Make In India’ concept.
Empower entrepreneurs with faster solutions and recovery pathways.
Introduce deferred tax payments (say, 12 months) for all the affected sectors or a slightly lower interim rate.
Curb speculative trades and punish unjustified profiteering by manipulating the emotional quotient of investors.
Shift the narrative from “all fall down” to “all put together”.
While America focuses on MAGA, let India champion MIGF – Make India Great First through self-sufficiency, resilience, and self-promotion.
Long story short, the Trump – Modi – Xi theatrics will continue to dominate the world economy while Zelensky – Putin – Netanyahu fireworks not showing any solutions for peaceful global atmosphere, we as investors need to mull muting the high decibel show of strength and focus more on the inner peace of investing as a habit.
This is my take as an investor also for my investors
My actions: I have increased my equity allocation by 10% with an uninterrupted SIP input along with Tata SIP 360 for future tax efficient cash flow.
My advice: Patience will prevail. Profit is a process. You must have both. Stay aligned with your investment strategy and long-term goals.
Do not act in haste. Build a moat of strong people and sound ideas around you. Insulate yourself with bulletproof advisory and a titanium mindset.
When your destination is 5, 7,10 or 15 years, why obsess over the potholes of 1–3 months? Remember – Google Maps doesn’t tell you that you won’t reach your destination; it simply reroutes you.
To close, let me tweak Sun Tzu for our times:
“Treat your investments as you would your own beloved children, and they will follow you into the deepest valley.”
Lead with clarity, loyalty, and courage. Your portfolio will reward you. Remember Team Trackfinder is with you in this.
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Warm regards,
Antony, The Wealth Farmer
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@wealthfarmerantony
Malfunctions of My Brain by Antony Trackfinder 
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