Staff Reports
Kevin O’Leary, known best for his role on “Shark Tank,” recently went full throttle in a debate on MSNBC, vigorously backing President Donald Trump’s hard-hitting tactics against China. O’Leary’s stance can only be described as a blend of business savvy and a touch of shark bite, as he passionately declared that tariffs aren’t just about numbers but about reclaiming American integrity in the trade game.
The real estate mogul didn’t just dabble in conservative waters; he dove in headfirst, arguing that the current 104 percent tariffs on Chinese imports are a mere starting point. While most might balk at such figures, O’Leary suggested an even more dramatic increase to 400 percent. He pointed to China’s long history of playing dirty, claiming that their noncompliance with World Trade Organization regulations is akin to a bad sitcom that just won’t get canceled. For O’Leary, the stakes are real, as he lamented the rampant intellectual property theft that has plagued American businesses. Not only do these thieves refuse to play by the rules, but they also apparently expect the U.S. to turn a blind eye to their shenanigans.
https://twitter.com/DiamondandSilk/status/1910931083048124761
In a lively exchange with MSNBC host José Díaz-Balart, O’Leary brushed aside concerns about consumer impacts with the confidence of a seasoned businessman. He painted a picture of a relentless battle that must be waged against China for the sake of American small and large businesses alike. Volatility, he argued, is a small price to pay for fixing what he sees as a dire threat to economic health. Apparently, for O’Leary, a little chaos in the marketplace is a worthy trade-off for a shot at fair play.
The conversation shifted gears as Díaz-Balart anxiously pressed for consumer implications, but O’Leary remained undeterred. His focus was firmly on the broader picture, blaming not only China but also past U.S. administrations for failing to take decisive action against this duplicity. If squeezing the Chinese government like a lemon is what it takes to level the playing field, then so be it. O’Leary’s approach is like giving a toddler a timeout— it might be necessary, but it doesn’t mean everyone in the room is going to be happy.
O’Leary’s command of trade dynamics didn’t just stop there. He articulated just how precarious Xi Jinping’s position is—one that hinges significantly on his ability to keep the Chinese populace content. He pointed out that factory shutdowns or trade restrictions could lead to unrest, something that any enlightened despot would dread. The looming threat of revolt is not just a talking point but a crucial bargaining chip for the U.S. in any trade discussions.
Ultimately, O’Leary’s fervent advocacy for a more aggressive stance against China emphasizes a growing sentiment among conservatives—that tough love might be the only solution left for global trade. The argument can be summarized in simple terms: give China a taste of their own medicine, because in David and Goliath scenarios, it’s best to be David armed with a slingshot and a roadmap to victory—not just a timid sheep asking for fair play.
