July 5th, 2025: Six Months into the MAGA Zombie Apocalypse

By Deborah Wunderman | Creator of the Sapient Survival Guide & Sapience: The Moment Is Now

Yesterday, America celebrated Independence Day. Today, we awaken in its ruins.

One year ago, the United States still technically had a functioning democracy. Flawed. Bloated by billionaires and corporations wanting politicians to curry them favor so they can make more money. It was barely breathing—but it was alive. Then, on January 20th, 2025, the MAGA Zombie infection reached terminal velocity. A man who never left the stage returned to power—not to govern, but to finish the demolition of democracy. And in just five months, the Houses of Wreckage—Trump, Koch, Murdoch, Vought, DeSantis, Thiel, and others—have succeeded in doing what generations of war, depression, and scandal could not:

They erased the American Republic from the inside out.

But most Americans don’t seem to realize what’s happened, continues to happen, and is getting worst. They watched the fireworks. They bought American flags. They took their selfies. All while the scaffolding of liberty had collapsed beneath their feet.

If this feels like a dream—or a nightmare you can’t wake up from—you’re not alone.

That’s why I created the Sapient Survival Guide for the MAGA Zombie Apocalypse—a mythic, visual, soul-mapped tool for those who refuse to lose their minds, their humanity, or their future to the infection spreading across this land.

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First Year into The Fall of American Democracy, A Fall No One Believes… Yet

The most terrifying part of an authoritarian collapse isn’t the violence. It’s the normalization.

In just five months, this is what we’ve seen:

• Roughly 260,000 federal employees have been fired, took buyouts, or retired due to DOGE, RFK and other Trump loyalists (about 12% of the Federal workforce, so far). However, the tidal effect on government contractors has yet to be determined. It is known that large-scale layoffs of contract workers are being reported nationwide (see below for deeper dive).
• April 2, 2025 was officially boasted as Liberation Day, but Trump was levying tariffs almost from Day 1 in office (see below for deeper dive).
• Immigrant detention camps expanded nationwide, many now under militarized control. In Florida, Governor DeSantis celebrated the use of alligators to guard migrants in a facility he helped build.
• A state judge arrested for helping immigrants navigate a legal system now criminalized.
• The Speaker of the Minnesota State House, a humane and principled woman, assassinated in her home, along with her husband—and, heartbreakingly, their dog. The killer left a manifesto drenched in MAGA delusion.
• In California, a state senator taken to the ground by private security forces for confronting Kristi Noem about the unlawful disappearances of immigrants.
• In New Jersey, U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver arrested on trumped-up charges for trying to visit an immigrant detention facility with the mayor of Newark.
• On July 4th, 2025, Trump signed into law the Big Beautiful (or Ugly) Bill, which was passed by Congress in rushed, late night congressional meetings.

Deeper Dives into Key Stats Above

Federal Workforce Cuts

Since Trump’s inauguration into his second term in January 2025, federal workforce downsizing has been dramatic:

🧑‍🏛️ Federal Civilian Workforce

• Roughly 260,000 federal employees have been affected—through firings, buyouts, deferred resignations, or early retirements—as of early May 2025. Source:  kiplinger.com+15reuters.com+15washingtonpost.com+15.
• This includes around 200,000 direct layoffs or firings, often targeting probationary workers, plus 75,000+ buyouts or retirements. Source:  en.wikipedia.org+7en.wikipedia.org+7wtop.com+7.
• For context, about 25,000 probationary staff were officially fired by March 18, 2025. Source:  news.bloomberglaw.com.

🧾 Government Contractors

Figure vary, but indicators suggest large-scale layoffs among contractor firms:

• In Maryland alone, 3,000+ contractor workers have been notified of layoffs this year, mostly tied to cuts at agencies like USAID, NASA, DOE, HHS, etc.  Source: baltimorepostexaminer.com.
• Nationally, the Trump administration’s sweeping grant freezes and stop-work orders—such as the $420 million in DEI-related contract cancellations—have hit countless contractors. Source: news.bloomberglaw.com+5natlawreview.com+5berenzweiglaw.com+5.

So while exact national totals for contractor layoffs are hard to pin down, Maryland’s 3,000+ figure hints at a broader trend—likely tens of thousands of contractor positions lost across the country.

Did you forget Trump fired or forced to retire roughly 12% of the Federal Workforce since he took office?

If you did, you are not alone. This is a critical part of MAGA’s ongoing assault to American democracy, and it is meant to overload, confuse and distract ordinary Americans.

Most of all, it is meant to make people give up because it just seems normal now.

It is NOT Normal!

Here is a summery of the impacts Trump’s federal workforce cuts have had on America.

Summary

In short, if America does not have federal workers to administer the work of a democratic nation, it does not have a democracy. This is the point of Project 2025. This is what MAGA has been gunning to do for decades. With Trump, they got their wrecking ball and with his second term in office, he is finishing the job and gathering lots of goodies for himself and his friends while he can (e.g., airplane gifts, crypto accounts, brides for pardons, brides for lower tariffs, brides for favor, etc.).

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Trump Tariffs

The tariff wave doesn’t just hit Wall Street—it hits Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Families are now paying hundreds to thousands more per year for essentials like school clothes, dishwashers, bikes, and groceries. These ‘hidden taxes’ don’t show up on a receipt—but they’re in every cart and checkout.

📅 Timeline & Tariff Details

1. Feb 1, 2025
   • 25% tariffs on nearly all imports from Canada, Mexico, and China
   • Charged under a national emergency citing migration, fentanyl, and trade imbalances. Source: ft.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15finance-monthly.com+15wsj.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5congress.gov+5
2. Feb 12, 2025
   • 25% tariffs on steel and 25% on aluminum from all foreign countries
3. Mar 4, 2025
   • Held as the effective date of the Feb 1 tariffs
   • Canada & Mexico faced 25%, China maintained its 25% tariff level despite delayed retaliations
4. Mar 24, 2025
   • Executive Order 14245: 25% tariff on all imports from any country importing Venezuelan oil, effective April 2. Source: cbsnews.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15
5. Apr 2, 2025 (“Liberation Day”)
   • Universal 10% tariff on almost all countries, taking effect Apr 5
   • Additional reciprocal tariffs on ~57 countries rolled out Apr 9
   • These ranged from 20% up to 50%, depending on trade deficit ratios. Source:worldscorecard.com+2forbes.com+2businessinsider.com+2wsj.com+11en.wikipedia.org+11morethanshipping.com+11
6. Post-April adjustments
   • China tariffs escalated rapidly: 10% → 20% → 34% → stacking up to 54% by Apr 9
   • Further raised to as much as 125–145% after retaliatory and stacking rules
   • China imposed counter‑tariffs up to 125%, triggering U.S. hikes to ~145% by April 11. Source: pbs.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15

🌐 Tariff Rates by Country (post-Liberation Day):

🛒 Common Household Products Now Tariffed

📌 Real‑World Examples

• Washing machines: Whirlpool units that cost $650 in 2023 now average $800+ due to layered tariffs on steel and parts.
• Back-to-school clothes: Average spending is up ~15% per child, driven by imported fabrics and labor costs.
• Grocery costs: Tariffs on Mexican tomatoes, Italian cheese, and Canadian dairy have pushed up weekly bills by $20–$40 for average families.
• Phones & laptops: Apple and Lenovo have quietly raised prices or cut features to absorb costs.

📌 Key Points

• Tariffs on Canada, Mexico & China began at 25% in early March.
• Additional 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum from all countries began in mid-February.
• A 25% Venezuelan oil-linked tariff took effect April 2 on countries importing that oil.
• In April, Liberation Day saw broad 10% tariffs, plus extra “reciprocal” hikes (20–50%) on 50–60 countries from April 9.
• China’s tariffs surged through aggressive stacking, peaking around 145%.
• Ongoing actions in July 2025 propose tariff notifications (10–70%) starting Aug 1. Source: websitebuilderexpert.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15businessinsider.com+15en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3passportglobal.com+3nypost.com+11forbes.com+11wsj.com+11wsj.comcongress.gov+7thetimes.co.uk+7wsj.com+7.

Did you forget about Trump’s tariffs?

If you did, you are not alone. This is a critical part of MAGA’s ongoing assault to American democracy, and it is meant to overload, confuse and distract ordinary Americans.

Most of all, it is meant to make people give up because it just seems normal now.

It is NOT Normal!

Here are the current impacts of Trump’s tariffs on American consumers and businesses now:

📊 Cost to American Households

Independent estimates vary widely depending on methodologies:

• $1,200 – $1,300 per household/year due to existing tariffs, according to the Tax Foundation and Kaplan Collection Agency apnews.com+15kaplancollectionagency.com+15beyer.house.gov+15.
• $1,600–$2,000 annually, as reported by the Joint Economic Committee commondreams.org+1beyer.house.gov+1.
• $3,100–$4,900 annually, median around ~$4,000, based on four of five independent studies (Politifact)politifact.com+1api.politifact.com+1.
• Up to $4,700/year, per a Yale Budget Lab analysis under current 2025 tariffs finance-commerce.com+13ctinsider.com+13americanprogress.org+13.

Bottom line:

• Lower bound: ~$1,200–$2,000/year
• Upper bound: ~$4,500–$4,700/year

🏢 Cost to Businesses & Government

• $82.3 billion in direct tariff-related costs borne by mid-sized U.S. employers (with revenues between $10 million–$1 billion) commondreams.orgusnews.com+1finance-commerce.com+1.
• JPMorgan and AP note that these costs may lead to higher consumer prices, layoffs, hiring freezes, or reduced profit margins usnews.com+1finance-commerce.com+1.

🔎 Bigger Picture

• The average effective U.S. tariff rate has reached levels not seen since the 1930s, pressuring supply chains and contributing to inflation beyer.house.gov+15ft.com+15jpmorgan.com+15.
• CBO projects tariffs will raise taxes by $2.5 trillion over 10 years, roughly a $158/month cost per household, and modestly weigh on GDP ntu.org.

🧭 What This Means for Americans

• Everyday impact: Households across income brackets are paying hundreds to thousands more per year—primarily on groceries, clothing, appliances, electronics, cars, and household goods.
• Businesses hit hard: Employers are facing billions in added costs—potentially passing them to consumers or cutting jobs and wages.
• Broader economy: Tariff-induced inflation and uncertainty are straining supply chains, dampening investment, and dragging on economic growth.

✅ Summary of Tariffs on Americans

• Household impact: Tariffs now cost Americans between $1,200 and $4,700 per household annually, depending on the study and tariff phase americanprogress.org+2kaplancollectionagency.com+2ctinsider.com+2.
• Business costs: U.S. employers face an estimated $82 billion in direct tariff-related expenses, provoking price hikes, layoffs, and reduced profit margins usnews.com+1finance-commerce.com+1.
• Economic drag: The resulting inflation and supply chain disruptions are key contributors to slower GDP growth and rising consumer prices .

“Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has unleashed one of the most sweeping U.S. tariff programs in decades:

• 25% tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico (steel, autos, aluminum).
• 25% tariff tied to Venezuelan oil imports from Mar 24.
• 10% baseline on nearly all countries from Apr 5.
• Higher “reciprocal” levies (20–50%) on major partners starting Apr 9.
• Aggressive tariff stacking on China, escalating to over 100% by mid-April.”

These new duties now apply to most consumer goods and industrial imports, hitting global supply chains and boosting prices for U.S. families and businesses.

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The Big Beautiful (or Ugly) Trump Bill Signed into Law on 7/4/25

The One Big Beautiful Bill passed by MAGA-aligned Republicans this week and signed by former President Trump on July 4, 2025 will have the following impacts on Americans:

📊 Major Provisions & Who Gains

• Permanent tax cuts: Extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts indefinitely and expands deductions—including for tips, overtime, auto loans, SALT (up to $40K cap for five years), and a $6K deduction for seniors. Source:  nbcnewyork.com+15cbsnews.com+15wired.com+15aljazeera.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6indiatimes.com+6.
• Temporary Targeted credits: Adds $200 to the child tax credit and tax benefits for auto loans and remittances. Source: en.wikipedia.org.
• Temporary Boosted deductions: Exempts tips and overtime from taxation, benefiting lower‑ and middle‑income workers .
• Temporary Agricultural support: Farmers gain from immediate expensing of new equipment and a permanent estate-tax exemption for family farms. Source:  waysandmeans.house.gov.

🛡️ Immigration & National Security Spending

• Border and ICE funding: Allocates roughly $150B for border wall, ICE expansion, detention, technology, and 10,000 new agents. Source:  e24.no+5dw.com+5politico.com+5.
• Defense & tech: Includes $150B more for defense projects, missile defense (“Golden Dome”), and air traffic modernisation. Source:  nypost.com.

⚠️ Cuts & Safeguard Changes

• Medicaid & healthcare:
  • Implements cuts to Medicaid and ACA (about $1 trillion in removals)
  • Introduces 80‑hours/month work requirements for non-elderly recipients and $35 co‑pays
  • The CBO estimates ~11–12 million people could lose health coverage by 2034. Source:  dw.com+15wired.com+15apnews.com+15economictimes.indiatimes.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indiatimes.com+2.
• SNAP (food aid):
  • Work mandates extended to parents of children 14+, with stricter state-level rules
  • Millions could lose benefit eligibility. Source:  nbcnewyork.com+1wired.com+1indiatimes.com+1economictimes.indiatimes.com+1.
• Clean energy rollback:
  • Phases out many Biden-era tax credits for electric vehicles and renewables
  • Redirects funding toward fossil fuel projects. Source:  apnews.com+3dw.com+3business-standard.com+3.

💰 Debt & Deficit Impact

• Escalating national debt:
  • Projected deficit increase of $3.3–3.9 trillion over 10 years by the CBO and independent analyses. Source:  business-standard.com+3fr.wikipedia.org+3dw.com+3factcheck.org.
  • White House contested to claim $1.4 trillion in net savings—driven largely by differing assumptions about tax cut extensions .
  • Moodys downgraded U.S. credit outlook citing fiscal recklessness. Source:  en.wikipedia.org+2fr.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.

🎯 Who Wins, Who Loses

Winners:

• Higher-income households (CBO: ~$12K/year benefit). Source:  marketwatch.com+4factcheck.org+4indiatimes.com+4.
• Tip and overtime earners, temporarily.
• Seniors, farmers, small business owners via expanded deductions, temporarily.

Losers:

• Medicaid & SNAP recipients: millions risk coverage loss. Source:  apnews.com+11apnews.com+11marketwatch.com+11.
• Clean energy initiatives and related jobs.
• Federal budget & taxpayers overall due to sweeping deficit expansion.

🗞️ Political and Social Impacts

• Healthcare access: Hospitals in underserved areas may close or reduce services because of funding cuts. Source:  apnews.com+2whitehouse.gov+2economictimes.indiatimes.com+2.
• Impact on vulnerable groups: Black and rural communities, as well as working families on Medicaid/SNAP, could be disproportionately affected .
• Political theatrics: Timing the vote and signing on July 4 was symbolic—seen as a Republican strategy ahead of midterms. However, early polling suggests unpopularity among independents and some Republicans many be soothed due to some of the worse policies not being enacted until after the mid-terms, plus MAGA is betting on the average man and woman’s short attention span and limited memory of Cause and Effect Relationship Karma between Trump’s glorious signing into existence date and the date of pain experienced by the MAGA many who don’t make the “in-boys and girls” club. Source:  apnews.com.

Do you think Trump’s tax cuts aren’t going to affect you because you’re not old or a child, you’re not poor or hungry, you’re not a demon–crat, which is what MAGA zombies call democrats.

If you did, you are not alone. Denial is a critical part of MAGA’s ongoing assault to American democracy, and it is meant to overload, confuse and distract ordinary Americans.

Most of all, it is meant to make people give up because it just seems normal now.

It is NOT Normal!

Here is a summary of the impacts that Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is going to have on ordinary Americans, regardless of if you are a MAGA loyalist or democrat. Bookmark this page for a quick memory check of political Cause & Effect Karma inventory.

📝 Summary of Bill & What This Means for Ordinary Americans

You can position the bill as a major pro‑growth, pro‑tax‑cut victory for higher‑income earners, seniors, and farmers, but simultaneously a significant rollback of federal safety nets. Include these key points:

• Tax relief vs. safety‑net cuts: Reviewers warn a large wealth transfer from low‑income to wealthy Americans, with many losing Medicaid/SNAP. Source:  indiatimes.com.
• Fiscal consequences: The legislation is expected to drive an additional $3+ trillion in national debt. Source:  cbsnews.com+2apnews.com+2thedailybeast.com+2.
• Political stakes: While Trump and congressional Republicans tout it as fulfilling campaign promises, critics say it politically endangers vulnerable communities heading into the 2026 midterms. Source:  apnews.com+1apnews.com+1.

None of this Normal!

They began by gutting the federal workforce and abandoning the poorest people in the world who were receiving life-sustaining help through USAID (which spent less than 0.3% of the federal budget). They moved onto tariffs and immigrants. Now, they are moving onto you–they want your healthcare, your social security, your safety net, your security, year wellbeing.

And they won’t stop there.

Zombies never have and never will…

The Zombie Metaphor Is Real

MAGA is no longer a political movement. It’s a mass psychogenic infection—a contagious state of consciousness that rewires human beings into vessels of cruelty, obedience, and mythic delusion.

It has symptoms:

• Blind allegiance to lies.
• Worship of a Strongman as Savior.
• Euphoria at the suffering of scapegoats.
• Inability to process empathy or nuance.
• Celebration of power for its own sake.

What do you call someone who can’t think, can’t feel, and lashes out at anything that threatens the hive mind?

You call them a zombie.

And this country is in the middle of a full-blown outbreak.

The Great American Split: Youth in the Crosshairs

In the young people I’ve met—on the streets, at protests, in whispered late-night conversations—I’m seeing two futures colliding.

On one side, there are the plugged-in, well-paid engineering grads who just want to make money, tune out, and escape into their tech jobs and Teslas. They were raised in dysfunction and believe this is just more of the same.

On the other side are the teachers. The nurses. The social workers. The climate warriors. The dreamers. These kids are scared—and they’re right to be. Their futures are being burned before they’ve had a chance to live them.

Some are paralyzed by fear. But others?

They are activating.

I met a young man at the No Kings Day protest in Washington, D.C.—a Florida native who organized youth resistance against DeSantis while still in high school. Now, fresh out of college, he’s here in the capital, building a movement called Central to fight authoritarianism from the ground up.

He’s not alone. There are sparks igniting across this country. Quietly. Fiercely. You know them when you meet them.

They are part of something older than any nation-state.
They are Sapients.

The Sapient Survival Guide: Mythic Armor for a Real Apocalypse

I created the Sapient Survival Guide because we need more than punditry, and more than panic. We need conscious clarity in a world that runs on chaos.

This guide is part resistance manual, part mythic map, part mirror for your soul. It’s built for artists, healers, resisters, librarians, visionaries, and everyday humans who feel the truth clawing at their skin—but haven’t found the language to name it.

Inside you’ll find:

• Archetypes for survival and transformation
• Insights into the Houses of Wreckage and their long game
• Psychological tools to resist the infection of despair or delusion
• Mythic language for modern chaos

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This is only the beginning. I’m working on sequels that will chart the rise—and the vulnerabilities—of each House of Wreckage and the Dragon Riders. We can dismantle their myths. But only if we awaken first.

The Fire Is Here. What Will You Do With It?

You’ve been trained to believe you’re powerless.
You’ve been told this is just politics.
You’ve been gaslit into thinking it will pass.

It won’t.

But if you’re reading this—really reading it—then you already know: something is deeply wrong. And maybe, just maybe, something deeper is rising inside you.

You are not crazy.
You are not alone.
You are not powerless.

You are part of something older than fear. Something more sacred than empire.
You are one of the wakeful ones.

You are Sapient.
And survival is just the beginning.

➡️ Let this be your Declaration of Interdependence.
➡️ Let this be your line in the sand.
➡️ Let this be your First Day of the New Calendar.

July 5th, Year One into the Zombie Apocalypse.

Let’s light the beacons rise.

You are that light.

Archetypal Animation

Music: B A D L A N D S – Dark Ambient — Synthwave Nation

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They promise lower prices, better wages, and more opportunity—but they will never deliver. America is entering late-stage capitalism, a system collapsing under the weight of unbridled greed and corruption, where corporations are given the rights of people, and billionaires are treated as kings. We are an empire in decline—and the billionaires are terrified.
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The capital “A” of America has already fallen—under the assault of DOGE, MAGA, and the ignorant corruption now holding court in the Capitol. But a brave child stretches upward to hold in place what’s left of a nation still under constant siege. This image captures the innocence—and the raw courage—required of ordinary people to push back against the ruthless rise of authoritarianism in America and around the world.
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Understanding the Maps Inside the Sapient Survival Guide

Note: Each map was created with the help of ChatGTP. Following are the more detailed analysis of why the maps are colored the way they are inside the Guide.

Map 1: Economic Resilience Map

Chats & Sources for this Map

The impending economic downturn is poised to impact various regions across the United States differently, with certain areas more vulnerable due to structural, fiscal, and environmental factors. Here’s an overview of the regions likely to face the most significant challenges:

🔴 Most Vulnerable Regions

1. Rust Belt States

States like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, historically reliant on manufacturing, are particularly susceptible.Michigan, for instance, has been identified as having residents under significant financial strain, with many struggling to meet financial obligations. Source: New York Post

2. Southern and Mountain States

States such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Colorado, and South Carolina are among the least prepared for a recession. Factors contributing to their vulnerability include high unemployment rates, limited government reserves, inadequate social safety nets, and housing affordability issues. Source: Investopedia

3. Illinois

Despite progressive initiatives, Illinois faces deep-rooted fiscal challenges, including over $200 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. The state’s high tax burden and underperforming public services exacerbate its economic fragility. Source: New York Post

4. California’s Inland Empire

The Inland Empire region has experienced significant economic challenges, including a dramatic increase in foreclosures during past downturns. Its economy, heavily reliant on logistics and warehousing, remains vulnerable to economic shocks. Source: Wikipedia

5. Appalachian Region

Many counties within the Appalachian region are classified as economically distressed, characterized by high poverty rates, low median incomes, and elevated unemployment. Source: Wikipedia

🟢 More Resilient Regions

Conversely, certain states are better positioned to withstand economic downturns:

• North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota: These states boast strong GDPs, low unemployment rates, substantial government reserves, and robust social safety nets, making them more resilient to economic shocks. Source: Investopedia

⚠️ Key Risk Factors Across Regions

• Trade Policy Uncertainty: Recent trade policies have disrupted manufacturing and agriculture sectors, particularly affecting border and manufacturing-heavy states like Texas and Michigan. Source: MarketWatch
• Climate Vulnerabilities: States like Florida face significant risks from climate change, with projections indicating that rising sea levels could submerge a substantial number of homes, impacting the real estate market and local economies. Source: Wikipedia

Understanding these regional vulnerabilities is crucial for policymakers and residents alike to prepare and mitigate the impacts of the forthcoming economic challenges.

The impending economic downturn is poised to impact various regions of the United States differently, with certain states facing heightened vulnerabilities due to factors like industry dependence, fiscal health, and demographic trends.

⚠️ States Most Vulnerable to Economic Downturn

Recent analyses highlight several states that may be disproportionately affected:

• Louisiana: Identified as the most vulnerable state, Louisiana grapples with high unemployment rates, minimal government reserves, and limited safety-net programs. Additionally, housing affordability remains a significant concern. Source: Investopedia
• California: The state faces challenges from tech industry layoffs, escalating living costs, and a notable exodus of residents and businesses seeking more favorable economic conditions. Source: Investopedia
• Nevada: With the highest unemployment rate in the nation, Nevada’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality, is particularly susceptible to economic fluctuations. Source: Investopedia+1Time+1
• Illinois: Facing over $200 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and the highest state and local tax burden in the U.S., Illinois also contends with underperforming public education and persistent corruption issues. Source: New York Post
• Michigan: The state’s economy is impacted by slowdowns in the auto industry, leading to layoffs and increased unemployment rates. Source: Investopedia
• Kentucky: Historically dependent on coal and manufacturing, Kentucky faces economic challenges due to declining demand in these sectors and the rise of automation. Source: Investopedia

🗺️ Regional Impacts

• Rust Belt: States like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and parts of New York, traditionally manufacturing hubs, continue to experience economic decline due to deindustrialization and population loss. Source: Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Investopedia+2
• Appalachia: Many counties in this region are classified as economically distressed, characterized by high poverty rates and limited access to healthcare and education.
• Inland Empire (California): This area has seen significant suburban sprawl and was notably affected during the housing bubble collapse, leading to high foreclosure rates and economic instability. Source: Wikipedia

✅ States Better Positioned to Withstand Economic Challenges

Conversely, some states exhibit resilience due to diversified economies, strong fiscal health, and proactive governance:

• North Dakota: With a robust GDP relative to its population, substantial government reserves, and low unemployment, North Dakota is considered the most recession-resistant state. Source: Investopedia
• Nebraska and South Dakota: Both states benefit from diversified economies and prudent fiscal management, placing them among the top in recession preparedness.
• Minnesota: Known for its strong healthcare and education sectors, Minnesota maintains a stable economy with low unemployment rates.

Understanding these regional disparities is crucial for policymakers and residents alike to navigate the challenges of an economic downturn effectively.

Economic Strains and State Vulnerabilities

MarketWatch, Here are all the reasons the economy is limping into Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 2025

Investopedia, 5 States Where Unemployment Is Soaring: Hidden Causes and Consequences, Feb 25, 2025

Barron’s, The Remarkable Revival of America’s Heartland-and Whether It Can Last, Apr 12, 2025

Key Sources

JB Pritzker is acting presidential — too bad his state is in such shambles By Diana Sroka Rickert, Published May 25, 2025,

Rust Belt

5 States Where Unemployment Is Soaring: Hidden Causes and Consequences By JONATHAN PONCIANO, Published February 25, 2025 Fact checked by VIKKI VELASQUEZ

Deeper Dives into Two Safer Regions on the Map

When evaluating the economic resilience between southern and northern Minnesota, southern Minnesota generally exhibits greater stability and adaptability in the face of economic challenges.

Snapshot into Minnesota

✅ Southern Minnesota: Diversified and Resilient

• Economic Diversification: Southern Minnesota benefits from a diversified economy, encompassing sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. This diversification mitigates the impact of downturns in any single industry.
• Educational Institutions: The presence of numerous colleges and universities in the region contributes to a skilled workforce and attracts businesses seeking educated employees.
• Population Stability: Compared to more rural areas, southern Minnesota has experienced more stable population trends, which supports local economies and labor markets.

⚠️ Northern Minnesota: Challenges Amidst Natural Resources

• Industry Dependence: Northern Minnesota’s economy is heavily reliant on natural resource industries such as mining and logging. These sectors are susceptible to global market fluctuations, impacting regional stability.
• Workforce Dynamics: Changes in workforce availability and consumer habits have led to employment challenges in some northern regions, signaling a need for economic adaptation. Source: mn.gov // Minnesota’s State Portal
• Population Decline: Many rural counties in northern Minnesota have experienced population declines, which can strain local economies and public services.

📍 Conclusion

While both regions face unique challenges, southern Minnesota’s economic diversification, educational infrastructure, and population stability position it as more resilient to economic downturns compared to northern Minnesota.

Key Sources

Regional Resilience by Chet Bodin
October 2017

2020 State of Rural Minnesota report, Marnie Werner, July 14, 2020

Snapshot into Vermont

Vermont’s economy exhibits both resilience and emerging challenges as it navigates the broader national economic landscape.

✅ Strengths Supporting Vermont’s Economic Stability

• Low Unemployment: As of March 2025, Vermont’s unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, among the lowest in the nation, indicating a robust labor market. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
• Positive Revenue Trends: State revenues have been slightly higher than anticipated in the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, suggesting economic stability. Source: VTDigger+1Vermont Business Magazine+1
• Economic Resilience: Despite national economic uncertainties, Vermont’s economy has shown durability, with modest adjustments in revenue forecasts reflecting continued performance. Source: Vermont Business Magazine

⚠️ Challenges Facing Vermont’s Economy

• Demographic Shifts: The state faces an aging population and has reverted to pre-pandemic trends of losing more residents to other states than it gains, impacting the labor force. Source: WSJ
• Housing Shortages: A tight housing market, with significant price increases over the past five years, poses challenges for retaining and attracting residents. Source: WSJ
• Economic Outlook Ranking: Vermont ranks 49th in the nation for economic outlook, influenced by factors such as tax policies and regulatory environment. Source: Rich States, Poor States

🔍 Key Considerations

• Federal Policy Impacts: Potential changes in federal policies, including tariffs and tax reforms, could have downstream effects on Vermont’s economy. Source: Vermont Public
• Labor Force Participation: Challenges in attracting and retaining a younger workforce may affect long-term economic growth and sustainability.

In summary, while Vermont’s current economic indicators show strength, particularly in employment and revenue generation, the state must address demographic challenges and housing affordability to ensure continued economic health.

Key Sources

Vermont Biz | State revenue projections remain positive if less robust, economy ‘durable’, Submitted by tim on Thu, 01/18/2024

VT Digger | State economists tout strong economy but warn of uncertainty under Trump — The message came at Wednesday’s meeting of the Emergency Board, a state panel that includes Gov. Phil Scott and chairs of the Legislature’s revenue and budget committees. By Shaun RobinsonJanuary 22, 2025,

Snap Shot of Sources:

Map 2: Economic Resilience Map Blended with MAGA Mind Virus Infection Rates Map

I want to provide a map of the United States and roughly identify which states will be able to weather the coming economic downturn due to tariffs, mass deportation of immigrants, complete hollowing out of federal workforce. Another thing to factor into this map for the Sapient Survival Guide are areas that are deeply MAGA, especially areas that are deeply radicalized MAGA. Can you create on for me… it does not need to be super detailed, just rough

ChatGPT said:

Below is a rough “Sapient Survival Guide”‑style U.S. map, showing:

🏦 Economic Resilience to Downturn

• More likely to weather tariffs & federal cuts: Northern Great Plains (e.g., North Dakota, Nebraska), parts of the Rocky Mountain region like Montana, thanks to low unemployment, strong per‑capita GDP, and solid state reserves. Source:  apnews.com+2nationalbusinesscapital.com+2investopedia.com+2.
• Also resilient: Wealthy tech states with high per‑capita GDP and innovation—Massachusetts, Washington, Utah—ranked high in economic strength. Source:  wallethub.com.
• Vulnerable: Southern and Mountain states—Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Colorado—with thin safety nets, high housing costs, and weak reserves. Source:  investopedia.com+1nationalbusinesscapital.com+1.

🎯 MAGA Strongholds & Radicalized Areas

• Deep MAGA (strong red): Large rural swaths across the Great Plains, Appalachia, Deep South, and interior West—where Trump improved margins in thousands of counties. Source: wsj.com+6axios.com+6axios.com+6.
• Radicalized hotspots: Pockets like Shasta County (CA) and counties in Ohio (e.g., Wayne County) show institutional upheaval and conspiracy-driven politics. Source: sfchronicle.com.
• Newer MAGA penetration: Suburban and Hispanic-heavy areas in states like South Texas, parts of North Carolina, and exurbs show strong GOP shifts. Source: axios.com.

📌 Map Annotations (Your Reference)

💡 How to Use This Map

1. Economic Planning: Focus preparedness efforts in vulnerable zones (e.g., SC, CO, LA), anticipate stronger public services or local buffers in resilient zones (e.g., ND, WA).
2. Content Audience: Tailor messaging—economic pragmatism in resilient states; societal shifts and MAGA-related cultural narratives in strongly red areas; caution & context in radicalized micro‑regions.
3. Travel & Logistics: Consider seasoned local governance, community solidarity, and political climate for supplies, outreach, or safe passage.

This is a broad-strokes overlay, not county-level granularity. Let me know if you’d like it refined by region or if you want a printable PNG with color-coded layers!

Key Sources

Invetopedia | These States Are Least Prepared for a Recession by ELIZABETH GUEVARA, Published May 08, 2025

WalletHub | Best & Worst State Economies (2025), Adam McCann, WalletHub Financial Writer, Jun 2, 2025

National Business Capital | The least (and most) likely states to survive a recession in 2025

Snapshots of Sources

It looks like the tool can’t access the necessary map data online right now due to a temporary connection issue. But I can still create the map for you—just need to switch to offline data.

I’ll generate a rough color-coded PNG map of the U.S. with these five categories:

• Resilient (teal green)
• Vulnerable (orange)
• Deep MAGA (pink)
• Radicalized (lime green)
• Neutral (gray)

Let me build that for you now using local shape data. 

I’m hitting technical issues due to the limitations of my current environment accessing map data and handling multipart geometries.

Here’s the next best solution:

I will create your printable map using a specialized tool

I’ll now generate a color-coded U.S. map PNG offline with:

• Teal green: Economically Resilient
• Orange: Economically Vulnerable
• Pink: Deep MAGA
• Lime Green: Radicalized MAGA pockets
• Gray: Neutral or Mixed

Hang tight while I produce that for you. 

It seems like I can’t do more advanced data analysis right now. Please try again later.

That said, I can still help you design this printable map manually using an alternative method. If you’d like, I can sketch out a color-coded U.S. map for you using a visual design tool or guide you step-by-step in building it in Canva, Google Slides, or even PowerPoint using state shapes and color fills. Let me know which path you’d prefer, or if you’d like me to generate a reference image concept using AI tools instead.

Map 3: MAGA Mind Virus Infection Map

This one terrifies me. I asked ChatGPT: Can you make a map only showing where the MAGA intensity is located?

Data for this map comes from the one above but with just these two fields mapped:

• Pink: Deep MAGA
• Lime Green: Radicalized MAGA pockets

Key Sources:

1 big thing: MAGA’s mutually assured destruction, Mike Allen, June 06, 2025

Create from 2020, 2024 Election Results such as the one below