MrBeast slams Trump's tariffs, says it's now cheaper to make Feastables chocolates outside of the US
YouTube megastar and entrepreneur MrBeast has voiced concern over Donald Trump's controversial new tariffs, warning they could spell trouble for small businesses — while ironically helping his own global chocolate empire.
On Tuesday, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, called Trump's economic moves 'brutal' in a post on social media, revealing the impact on his snack brand, Feastables.
'Because of all the new tariffs it is now way cheaper to make our chocolate bars we sell globally NOT in America,' he explained. Feastables' chocolate products are made in Peru by Machu Picchu Foods SAC, and global customers now enjoy cheaper prices due to countries avoiding the U.S. tariff.
'Other countries don't have a 20%+ tariff on our cogs [cost of goods sold],' he added, pointing out the irony that global sales may thrive more than domestic ones under the new rules.
MrBeast emphasized his commitment to ethical production despite high costs. 'BTW we pay our farmers a living income, use fair trade certified beans, etc. so I was already spending a lot on cocoa. A random price hike was pretty brutal ngl. We'll figure it out.'
However, he warned of a more severe impact on others. 'This could really be a nail in the coffin for [small businesses],' he said, highlighting the fragile position many entrepreneurs now face.
Donaldson, 26, is one of the highest-paid digital creators globally, with an estimated annual income of $54 million, per Forbes. Since launching his content empire in 2012, he has built a following of over 230 million subscribers on YouTube and nearly 100 million followers on TikTok.
While known for philanthropy and viral stunts — like giving away houses and dropping $20,000 from drones — MrBeast has expanded his empire into food, smartphone apps, and video game tournaments. His Feastables snack line, launched in 2022, includes chocolate bars, cookies, and gummies.
MrBeast's criticism joins a chorus of business voices slamming Trump's tariff policies. Earlier this week, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also blasted the move, dubbing April 7 'Orange Monday' after claiming he lost 20 percent of his net worth. 'This is a decision that one guy made that crashed the whole stock market,' Portnoy said in a video rant.
Despite the volatility, MrBeast remains focused on adapting. 'We'll figure it out,' he assured followers.
For now, Feastables fans overseas may be enjoying a sweeter deal — even if the path to global success comes at a domestic cost.
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