Bulwark Takes: China Just EMBARRASSED Trump and MAGA – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Andrew Egger
Featuring: Kevin O'Leary

Introduction: Setting the Stage

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Andrew Egger delves into the evolving dynamics of the U.S.-China trade relationship, particularly focusing on recent policy shifts under the Trump administration. The discussion centers on the initial aggressive stance against China, the subsequent policy reset, and the reactions from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) ecosystem.

Kevin O'Leary Advocates for Economic War Against China

Kevin O'Leary, popularly known as Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, passionately argues for an uncompromising economic stance against China.

Kevin O'Leary [00:15]: "This is not about tariffs anymore. Nobody has taken on China yet. Not the Europeans, no administration for decades. As someone who actually does business there, I've had enough. The government cheats and steals. And finally an administration. You may not like Trump, you may not like his style or his rhetoric. Finally an administration that puts up and says enough."

O'Leary emphasizes China's detrimental economic practices, asserting that the Trump administration is the first in decades to take a firm stand against Beijing's "lying, cheating, and stealing." His fervent call for a "total economic war against China" resonated strongly within the MAGA circles, gaining widespread attention and support across various media platforms.

Trump’s Trade Strategy: From Aggression to Reset

Initially, the Trump administration's approach was characterized by aggressive tariffs aimed exclusively at China. This strategy was perceived as a long-overdue move to hold China accountable for its economic maneuvers.

Increase in Tariffs and MAGA’s Enthusiastic Response

After President Trump shifted his focus to China, he implemented substantial tariff increases, raising them up to 135%.

Andrew Egger [00:41]: "China, China lies and cheats and steals and the world has been putting up with their shit for too long. And thank God the Trump administration is finally here on the scene with the stones to make them pay for it."

This decisive action was lauded by prominent MAGA influencers:

• Donald's Cliff Jr. shared O'Leary's viral clip accompanied by numerous emojis.
• Libs of TikTok retweeted the clip approvingly.
• Charlie Kirk featured it at the top of his radio show.
• Benny Johnson linked the trade war to the World Economic Forum’s dystopian future.
• Andrew McCarthy, despite being a failed congressional candidate, echoed these sentiments, labeling O'Leary's comments as "the hardest shit I've heard in the 10 years of MAGA."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant Endorses the Strategy

Supporting the administration's hardline stance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant provided official backing for the tariff strategy.

Scott Bessant [02:12]: "All this was again, this was driven by the President's strategy. He and I had a long talk on Sunday and this was his strategy all and that... They responded. They have shown themselves to the world to be the bad actors..."

Bessant revealed that Trump's approach was intended to provoke China into a weaker position, thereby exposing its "bad actor" status on the global stage. He also hinted at leveraging alliances to isolate China economically.

Wall Street Journal’s Revelation

The Wall Street Journal later disclosed that a cornerstone of the White House’s trade strategy was to secure commitments from U.S. trading partners to collectively isolate China's economy. This quid pro quo involved reducing trade and tariff barriers in exchange for other nations joining the U.S. in economic isolation of China.

Andrew Egger [02:47]: "So there it was. The US Was done getting pushed around by China. We were finally going to get tough and make them pay for their crimes. Donald Trump was the only guy with the will to do it. Until he wasn't."

Policy Shift: The Unexpected Trade War Reset

Contrary to earlier aggressive measures, the Trump administration recently announced a significant policy shift towards China, effectively resetting trade relations.

Kevin O'Leary [03:20]: "In addition, yesterday, we achieved a total reset with China. After productive talks in Geneva, both sides now agreed to reduce the tariffs imposed after April 2 to 10% for 90 days as negotiators continue in the larger structural issues."

This reset came after a month of steep tariffs and perceived intransigence from China. The agreement to lower tariffs to 10% for 90 days signaled a temporary thaw in U.S.-China economic relations, leaving the broader structural issues to be renegotiated.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Dismisses Trade Strategy

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick quickly downplayed the administration's initial trade strategy, labeling it as "fake news."

Andrew Egger [03:39]: "Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick waved it off this weekend as fake news by the White House. The idea being not to let China flood these other countries with their products or to relocate things to these areas where they would avoid U.S. tariffs."

Lutnick's dismissal indicated a retreat from the previously aggressive stance, casting doubt on the sustainability and seriousness of the administration's commitment to isolating China economically.

Bulwark’s Perspective: Relief Mixed with Skepticism

Andrew Egger articulates the Bulwark’s nuanced stance on the rapid policy changes.

Andrew Egger [04:30]: "We were, we were never into the whole pointless trade war in the first place. Turning off the tariffs means no more pointless economic devastation, no more annihilation of US small businesses, no more idling ports, no more threats of empty shelves..."

While expressing relief at the cessation of harsh tariffs, Egger underscores the inconsistency in the administration’s approach, highlighting the lack of substantial concessions from China despite significant economic pressure.

MAGA Ecosystem's Reaction: Confusion and Opportunism

The episode explores the MAGA supporters' reactions to the abrupt policy reset, suggesting a disconnect between their initial fervor and subsequent acceptance of the changes.

Andrew Egger [05:18]: "So supposedly again, just days ago, the White House fully in on this idea. The whole MAGA influencer ecosystem totally in on the idea. So I guess it's fair to speculate..."

Egger posits that MAGA influencers might feel a sense of betrayal or confusion, given the quick reversal from aggressive tariffs to a more conciliatory approach without tangible concessions from China. Alternatively, some may perceive the reset as another strategic maneuver by Trump rather than a genuine policy shift.

Andrew Egger [05:56]: "We know they didn't mean that because they folded at the first signs that economic pain was actually underway again. This was one month back that we launched this whole thing and we're already getting this reset, this, this, this beautiful big new reset with, with China relations."

Conclusion: Implications and Insights

The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the Trump administration’s inconsistent trade policies towards China and the reactions from its staunch supporters.

Andrew Egger questions the sustainability and authenticity of the MAGA narrative, suggesting that the quick policy reversals undermine the perceived strength and resolve that were initially championed. The Bulwark emphasizes the importance of coherent and consistent policy-making, contrasting it with the opportunistic shifts observed in the current political landscape.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Kevin O'Leary [00:15]: Advocating for total economic war against China.
• Scott Bessant [02:12]: Endorsing Trump’s strategy to isolate China.
• Kevin O'Leary [03:20]: Announcing a total reset with China.
• Andrew Egger [04:30]: Highlighting the end of destructive tariffs.
• Andrew Egger [05:18]: Speculating on MAGA supporters' reactions.

This episode offers a critical examination of the fluctuating U.S.-China trade relationship under the Trump administration, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a consistent foreign policy and the complexities of rallying support within polarized political factions.