Kevin O’Leary, the tough-talking businessman from Shark Tank, says America must hit China with a massive 400% tariff to end their cheating. He argues China steals ideas, ignores trade rules, and has gotten away with it for too long. O’Leary claims weak past leaders let China walk all over American workers and businesses.
He praises President Trump for finally standing up to China but says current tariffs aren’t strong enough. “104% tariffs? That’s baby stuff,” O’Leary says. He wants tariffs so high that China’s economy feels the pain. Factories would shut down, jobs would vanish, and their leaders would have no choice but to negotiate.
O’Leary insists China needs America more than we need them. The U.S. buys nearly 40% of the world’s products, making us the top customer globally. If China can’t sell here, their economy crumbles. He says President Xi Jinping would face riots if millions of Chinese workers lost jobs. “Squeeze their heads against the wall until they come to the table,” O’Leary demands.
Critics warn tariffs could raise prices for everyday Americans, but O’Leary calls that short-term thinking. He says small businesses are being destroyed by cheap Chinese knockoffs, and stolen technology hurts U.S. innovation. “A little pain now saves us from losing forever,” he argues.
The Trump administration has already hiked tariffs to 125%, but O’Leary wants more. He believes China only respects strength, not polite requests. “They laugh at 25% tariffs. Go big or go home,” he says. Recent White House talks with 70 countries show Trump’s global push to reset trade deals, but O’Leary says China is the real enemy.
Some Republicans worry about voter backlash if prices spike, but O’Leary dismisses them. “Weak politicians always cave. Trump doesn’t,” he says. He claims true patriots will endure higher costs to beat China. “This is the fight of our lifetime,” he adds.
China threatens counter-tariffs, but O’Leary says they’re bluffing. Their economy is shaky, with real estate crashes and debt crises. America holds all the cards, he argues, and now’s the time to play them. “We won’t be the top economy forever. Crush them today,” he urges.
In the end, O’Leary’s message is clear: no more Mr. Nice Guy. Hit China hard, force them to obey the rules, and put America first. “Stop the stealing, start the winning,” he says. For him, 400% isn’t just a number—it’s a battle cry.
