Several high-profile Trump supporters are nursing massive financial losses this week following a wave of new tariffs introduced by the former president. Influencer and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy claims to be down $20 million, while Twitch streamer Adin Ross reportedly lost $10 million—raising questions about whether their loyalty to Donald Trump is starting to crack under economic pressure.
Both influencers have been outspoken in their support for Trump. Ross famously handed Trump a Cybertruck and a gold Rolex during a livestream in 2024, while Portnoy has long championed Trump’s business acumen. But with markets taking a nosedive in response to the new trade measures, even these diehard fans are feeling the heat.
The Price of Loyalty
On April 8, 2025, Trump implemented sweeping tariffs, slapping a 90% duty on low-cost imports from China and increasing taxes on goods from over 60 other countries—some as high as 104%. The move was aimed at reducing America’s trade deficit and promoting domestic manufacturing, but it quickly sent shockwaves through the financial world.
Portnoy revealed during a livestream that his portfolio—heavy in stocks and crypto—suffered a catastrophic hit. “I’m down $20 million. It’s Tariff City out here,” he told his followers, referencing the widespread market tumble.
Ross, whose investments reportedly include shares in Tesla and Boeing, told DJ Akademiks that he’d taken a $10 million loss since the policy went into effect. “I got smoked,” he admitted, clearly frustrated by the unexpected downturn.
Still Standing by Their Guy?
Despite the massive financial setbacks, neither Portnoy nor Ross have jumped off the Trump train. In fact, both are brushing off the losses with surprising calm.
Portnoy, always brash and unfiltered, said he still believes in Trump’s overall strategy. “I don’t fully understand the tariffs, but Trump’s a smart guy. He knows what he’s doing,” he remarked. He even suggested that this is just the cost of playing big in business and politics.
Ross, while more visibly shaken, also stopped short of blaming Trump. He described the situation as “so bad” on his stream but remained more exasperated than angry. Though he half-joked about missing Kamala Harris, it didn’t seem like a serious shift in allegiance.
It’s worth noting that both men are financially well-off—Portnoy’s estimated net worth is over $100 million, and Ross, known for flaunting his wealth online, likely sees value in staying close to Trump’s spotlight. Their fan bases, largely young, risk-tolerant, and politically engaged, might even admire their willingness to stick by their political hero despite personal loss.
The Broader Impact
While Portnoy and Ross are among the most visible casualties, they’re far from alone. Analysts say that the tariff package could lead to significant price hikes for U.S. consumers, with some estimates predicting an additional $2,000 in annual household spending.
China responded swiftly, slapping a 34% tariff increase on American goods in retaliation. With tensions escalating, global markets remain volatile—and investors with tech-heavy or internationally exposed portfolios, like Portnoy and Ross, are facing severe whiplash.
Still, Trump supporters argue that the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain of rebuilding American industry and reducing reliance on foreign production. Whether that trade-off pays off remains to be seen.
So, Do They Still Back Him?
The short answer? Yes—but maybe with a touch of buyer’s remorse. Portnoy and Ross appear to be riding out the storm, hoping Trump’s gamble pays off in the end. Their frustration is clear, but for now, they’re still publicly aligned with the man behind the tariffs.
Whether that changes if losses deepen—or if their fans start turning on Trump—is the bigger question. For now, though, it looks like loyalty is proving more resilient than profit margins.
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