In a recent episode of "Real Time," Bill Maher, known for his liberal stance, took aim at President Donald Trump's handling of China, describing it as "completely a-- backwards."
As the President continues to engage in a global tariff war, Maher expressed his hope for an economic downturn to compel a change in strategy. "I just feel like he picked a fight with the wrong bully," Maher remarked, highlighting his skepticism about the President's approach.
As reported by Fox News, Maher revisited the controversy he stirred in 2019 when he openly wished for a recession to thwart Trump's re-election bid. "They really f---ing hated me for that," Maher recalled, acknowledging the backlash from conservatives.
He defended his stance by arguing that a recession might be the only way to diminish Trump's popularity. "And of course, I'm just rooting. I can't make it actually happen. They didn't seem to understand that. I'm not a genie, but I'm rooting for one again," Maher clarified to his audience.
Maher also noted the criticism President Trump has faced from conservatives who oppose his tariff policies, partly due to their detrimental impact on the economy. He further accused the President of engaging in what he termed "a form of corruption." Maher elaborated, "Because we've seen already when you have tariffs, then you can take them off," referencing the recent exemptions for phones and computers. He suggested that this flexibility allows Trump to manipulate rewards and punishments, asserting, "Trump is great at a couple of things. One: finding ways to reward and punish people. And two: finding a way to get bribed. Those are like two of his biggest skills."
The HBO host criticized the administration's stance that China "needs to make a deal with us" while asserting that the U.S. does not need to reciprocate. Maher argued, "I think that's completely a-- backwards," emphasizing the economic repercussions if China ceases to purchase aircraft from Boeing, a significant sector of the American economy. He underscored his patriotic intentions, stating, "Look, I'm always for America... I want us to win, but this is just the reality of what China is."
Maher also highlighted the United States' dependency on China for rare earth minerals, essential for modern technology. He pointed out the stark contrast in production capabilities, noting, "We make none of this here, except we have one place here in California, Mountain Pass. They have a rare earth mine there. It takes out of the ground in one year what China does in a day." This reliance, Maher suggested, underscores the challenges in the current trade dynamics with China.
While Maher's comments are likely to resonate with those critical of the President's economic policies, they also serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in international trade and the potential consequences of tariff wars. As the debate continues, the impact on the American economy and its global standing remains a topic of significant concern.
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