In a recent appearance on CNN’s “NewsNight,” entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary fervently defended the state of the U.S. economy under President Donald Trump, challenging assertions that the administration’s policies have been detrimental to job growth and the nation’s global standing.
The discussion intensified when podcaster Kmele Foster attributed job losses to Trump’s tariff policies. O’Leary promptly countered, stating, “What are you talking about? There’s no job loss in America.”
Supporting O’Leary’s stance, commentator Shermichael Singleton questioned Foster, “Do you not look at the unemployment numbers?” O’Leary emphasized the strength of the labor market, noting, “We’re almost at full employment. We’re almost at full — what are you talking about?!”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2% in April 2025, with the economy adding 177,000 jobs that month. Additionally, consumer confidence experienced a significant boost, rising by 12.3 points in May after five consecutive months of decline.
The conversation further escalated when former reality TV star Jennifer Welch claimed that President Trump was causing reputational harm to the American economy. O’Leary responded, “The economy is on fire! What are you talking about?”
Addressing concerns about the U.S.’s global image, O’Leary highlighted the nation’s attractiveness to investors: “The number one destination for invested capital on earth is still over 50% in America tonight. Tonight. Right now. So I don’t know what you‘re talking about a laughingstock. The money pours in, trillions of dollars comes to America. Why? Best place to invest on earth. Why? The economy is on fire.”
O’Leary’s remarks underscore a broader narrative that, despite criticisms, current economic indicators such as job creation, consumer confidence, and international investment reflect a robust U.S. economy.
For a more in-depth look at the exchange, you can watch the segment here:
