Mark Cuban calls Trump 'insane' as he threatens 200% tariffs on John Deere tractors if it moved to Mexico
SMITHTON, PENNSYLVANIA: Presidential Candidate Donald Trump told farmers at a roundtable in Pennsylvania on Monday, September 23, that he would significantly increase the price of John Deere tractors if the US-based company decided to move a part of their manufacturing operation to Mexico.
John Deere had announced that it would shift some of its production from Dubuque, Iowa, to Ramos, Mexico, by the end of 2026, reported Business Insider.
The former president's announcement was met with ridicule across social media platforms, with billionaire investor Mark Cuban calling it a terrible idea that would essentially destroy a "legendary American Company."
Trump in Pennsylvania threatens John Deere with 200 percent tariffs pic.twitter.com/aLlqmhJ7zH
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 23, 2024
Donald Trump's warning to John Deere
According to Raw Story, Donald Trump noted that he was fond of John Deere and that his campaign used their tractors as props on Monday.
"I just noticed behind me John Deere tractors. I know a lot about John Deere. I love the company," he shared at the end of the roundtable event. "But as you know, they've announced a few days ago that they're going to move a lot of their manufacturing business to Mexico."
"I'm just notifying John Deere right now. If you do that, we're putting a 200% tariff on everything that you want to sell into the United States so that if I win, John Deere is going to be paying a 200%," he continued.
The former president claimed to be "one of their big customers," but stood firm on his warning. "But if they're going to do that, we're going to put a 200% tariff on everything that they want to send back into the United States," he vowed.
"Our country is going to make a lot of money, or they're not going to build, they're not going to open... or they're going to sell it to another country."
Mark Cuban's take on Donald Trump's announcement
Mark Cuban shredded Donald Trump's take in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the latter's "lack of understanding of business is insane."
"Put a 200% tariff on the American company moving some production to Mexico. But tariff Chinese manufacturers 10 or 20%, so that the Chinese products will be cheaper to sell in the US than the American company," Cuban wrote, explaining how Trump's move would be counterproductive for the American company.
"Good way to destroy a legendary American company and increase costs to American buyers," he added.
This Lack of Understanding of Business is insane.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) September 23, 2024
Put a 200% tariff on the American company moving some production to Mexico
But tariff Chinese manufacturers 10 or 20%, so that the Chinese products will be cheaper to sell in the US than the American company.
Good way to… https://t.co/c23eVGMSeB
Donald Trump blasted over his John Deere tariff threat
People on X brutally slammed Donald Trump and called his announcement to increase tariffs on John Deere tractors by 200% "undeniably dumb".
"He is either undeniably dumb or intentionally trying to lose this election," wrote a user.
He is either undeniably dumb or intentionally trying to lose this election
— Fuck You I Quit (@fuckyouiquit) September 23, 2024
"That's not the temperament nor judgment of someone who wants to be president," shared another.
That's not the temperament nor judgement of someone who wants to be president.
— Ron (Fan)🇺🇸 (@Ronxyz00) September 23, 2024
"Only a stable genius would believe increasing the cost of farm equipment would help our farmers," one person stated.
Only a stable genius would believe increasing the cost of farm equipment would help our farmers.
— JimfromLakeWinni (@jkre1244) September 23, 2024
"How is he one of John Deere's biggest customers, pray tell?" asked another.
How is he one of John Deere's biggest customers, pray tell?
— Pat120 💙 Against Fascism 🌻 #KamalaHarris 2024 (@Pat120) September 23, 2024
"He loves to control big corporations and impose things without thinking of the big picture," one person said.
He loves to control big corporations and impose things without thinking of the big picture
— Red Hibiscus 🌺💙🌊 (@RedHibiscus23) September 23, 2024
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