A decades-old clip of Donald Trump on Oprah Winfrey’s show has exploded online. The video shows Trump slamming countries like Japan and Kuwait for taking advantage of America. His words from 1988 now feel like a preview of his latest move—hiking tariffs to protect U.S. interests.
Back then, Trump called out Japan for flooding American markets while blocking U.S. goods. He said they “knock the hell out of our companies” without playing fair. He mocked Kuwait for living “like kings” off oil sales while refusing to pay their share. Fast forward to today, Trump’s trade war has kicked into high gear.
This week, Trump rolled out a 10% tax on most imports and even steeper tariffs on nations running trade surpluses. Countries like India got hit with a 27% tax. Critics whine it’ll hurt global markets, but conservatives cheer Trump for keeping his word. Decades later, he’s still fighting to put America first.
Left-wing leaders like Justin Trudeau have melted down over these policies. Trudeau recently cried on camera, claiming he’s “fighting for Canadians.” Conservative commentators mocked his tears, calling it proof that weak leaders can’t handle real negotiations. They argue Trump’s toughness is exactly what’s needed.
The contrast couldn’t be clearer. While Trump pushes tariffs, liberals waste time on pet projects. Take NPR—taxpayer-funded radio that conservatives say pushes far-left propaganda. Even Bill Maher, no Trump fan, admitted NPR should lose federal funding. It’s another example of Trump cutting waste while others enable it.
Tariffs have already shaken up global trade. Companies like Stellantis paused operations in Mexico and Canada, idling thousands of workers. But Trump’s team says short-term pain is worth long-term gain. They’d rather reset unfair deals than let allies keep exploiting America’s openness.
Exempting Canada and Mexico shows Trump’s strategy isn’t about chaos—it’s about smart deals. By rewarding nations that cooperate, he’s forcing others to rethink their tactics. It’s common sense: play fair or pay up.
Conservatives say this is why Trump keeps winning. He’s unafraid to challenge the status quo, even if it means ruffling feathers. While the left cries foul, working-class Americans see a leader finally fighting for them. The 1988 clip proves he’s been right all along—and his critics haven’t learned a thing.
