Kevin O'Leary says AOC would 'destroy' US if she became POTUS despite praising her entrepreneurial skills

'Shark Tank' star Kevin O’Leary claimed that Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would 'destroy America' if she became president
UPDATED MAY 1, 2025
Kevin O’Leary recently weighed in on Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential presidential ambitions (Getty Images)
Kevin O’Leary recently weighed in on Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential presidential ambitions (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: In a bold take at the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Canadian businessman and 'Shark Tank' star Kevin O’Leary claimed that Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would “destroy America” if she ever became president, even as he praised her as a sharp entrepreneur and master marketer. 

His remarks came amid speculation over a potential 2028 presidential run by the progressive lawmaker, who recently toured with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and released a campaign-style video. 

While O’Leary applauded her branding and social media savvy, he sharply criticized her political agenda and performance in her district.



 

Kevin O'Leary weighs in on AOC's presidential ambitions

According to Fox News, Kevin O’Leary weighed in on Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential presidential ambitions and responded to a campaign-style video recently released by the progressive lawmaker amid speculation of a 2028 run.

O’Leary applauded Ocasio-Cortez’s marketing acumen, calling her “the best marketeer in politics” and praising her for turning a high profit on her “Tax the Rich” merchandise.

“She makes 82% in margin on them, which, I think, shows you that inside of every socialist, there's a capitalist trying to get out,” he remarked.

Kevin O'Leary visits
Kevin O'Leary visits 'Outnumbered' at Fox News Channel Studios on April 18, 2024, in New York City (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

However, O’Leary didn’t hold back in his criticism of her politics, warning that she would “absolutely destroy America” if elected president.

“There's no chance she'll ever be president. I don't agree with anything she says, but I love her social media. She's a crazy chicken,” he added, taking a swipe at both her ideology and her district, which he called “a wasteland.”

"Why would anybody want her running anything? But I love what she does on T-shirts, so maybe she should start a T-shirt company,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speak to a full auditorium as part of the
Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speak to a full auditorium as part of the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour on April 14, 2025, in Nampa, Idaho (Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

O’Leary’s remarks come as Ocasio-Cortez has been traveling the country with Sanders on their "Fight Oligarchy" tour, rallying opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies.

The tour has drawn significant crowds and fueled further speculation that Ocasio-Cortez may be testing the waters for a future presidential bid.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) waves as she enters to a full auditorium as part of the
Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) waves as she enters a full auditorium as part of the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour on April 14, 2025, in Nampa, Idaho (Natalie Behring/Getty Images)                     

Kevin O'Leary's remarks about AOC spark debate online

A video of Kevin O’Leary praising Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s marketing skills while harshly criticizing her potential presidential run quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions online.

While some users agreed with O’Leary’s remarks, others pushed back, criticizing his comments. 

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 20: U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks at a press conference urg
Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks at a press conference urging the inclusion of the Civilian Climate Corps, a climate jobs program, in the budget reconciliation bill, outside of the US Capitol on July 20, 2021, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

One user wrote, "He's not wrong. Socialists only exist on the heels of capitalism. Once the capitalist money runs out, socialism ends in poverty. So, definitely a no on AOC for president."



 

One person questioned, "Why is this guy talking so much?"



 

Another speculated, "If she runs its easy win for republicans."



 

An X user posted, "Sharp critique with a silver lining — maybe her true calling is in cotton, not leadership."



 

Another said, "I wouldn't lift a finger for her."



 

One individual wrote, "He's correct."



 

Another remarked, "Dude it can’t get any worse than what trump is doing with tariffs."



 

One individual claimed, "AOC Bad for Americans, good for making money on Tee Shirts - LOL You have to love Kevin and his position on China stealing our IT."



 

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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